Hi all! My husband is AD Army. I have had limited interaction with Tricare, thus far. However, my OB wants to run some tests to confirm PCOS. DH and I are anxious to start a family. And after our first loss, and with my reproductive health in serious question, we want to start sooner rather than later. Now, I know that infertility is a word Tricare doesn't like to hear. I know they don't cover anything coded as infertility. Because the testing isn't really for infertility, but rather the diagnosis of PCOS, what coverage can I expect? According to the insurance lady at the OB's office, Tricare is "crap" and won't cover any of the testing. (By testing, I mean CD3 bloodwork, HSG, and CD23 bloodwork.)
So, I called TriWest and the CSR said that the OB has to put in for prior authorization for the testing. Makes sense. I guess my questions are, what is your experience? Did Tricare cover testing? What can I do to help make this work in my favor? Once I get a diagnosis, will Tricare cover any meds to increase the chances of ovulation?
Thanks so much for any input you have! I really appreciate it!
Re: New - Tricare/Testing/PCOS Any experiences here?
CJ 05/29/2013
Thanks! I will take a look at it. Also, to clarify, I'm not saying Tricare is "crap." That was the word the insurance lady chose to use. I found it odd, but I don't have a whole lot of experience with Tricare, so what do I know. I'm just happy to have any sort of insurance. I also have Standard, not Prime. I'm not certain of the specific differences, other than referals. I'd rather be able to pay a little out of pocket and pick my own doctor than not. Just me. Anyways, thanks again! I appreciate the input!
Married 11/27/09 and TTC right away
Dx: Complete septate uterus with cervical duplication, endometrial polyps, PCOS, endometriosis, hypo thyroid, luteal phase defect
4 uterus surgeries to correct my complete septum and to remove polyps and 2 years of seeing the RE, medicated cycles and IUIs
Baby 1 and 2: BFP 3/3/11 with 2 babies EDD 11/1/11, M/C 4/6/11
Baby #3: 8/11 pregnant EDD 4/27/11 and m/c:(
Baby #4: 10/12/11 BFP! EDD 6/16/12m/c 10/26/11
Baby #5: 3/13/12 BFP! EDD 11/25/12 ANOTHER m/c
Baby #6: 2/14/13- BFP! EDD 10/24/13, CP 2/19/13
Baby #7: 3/15/13- BFP! EDD 11/27/13, another CP
Baby #8. BFP 5/19/13 EDD 1/22/14. 8 was not our lucky number
4th septum resection on 5/31/13.
Baby #9: 6/29/13 BFP. C section scheduled for March 5th!
My miracle baby was born March 5 at 9:33am. He was 8 lbs 12.5 oz and 21.25 inches long!
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/216032457783/
this is a great group. it is a military wife infertility group
Married 11/27/09 and TTC right away
Dx: Complete septate uterus with cervical duplication, endometrial polyps, PCOS, endometriosis, hypo thyroid, luteal phase defect
4 uterus surgeries to correct my complete septum and to remove polyps and 2 years of seeing the RE, medicated cycles and IUIs
Baby 1 and 2: BFP 3/3/11 with 2 babies EDD 11/1/11, M/C 4/6/11
Baby #3: 8/11 pregnant EDD 4/27/11 and m/c:(
Baby #4: 10/12/11 BFP! EDD 6/16/12m/c 10/26/11
Baby #5: 3/13/12 BFP! EDD 11/25/12 ANOTHER m/c
Baby #6: 2/14/13- BFP! EDD 10/24/13, CP 2/19/13
Baby #7: 3/15/13- BFP! EDD 11/27/13, another CP
Baby #8. BFP 5/19/13 EDD 1/22/14. 8 was not our lucky number
4th septum resection on 5/31/13.
Baby #9: 6/29/13 BFP. C section scheduled for March 5th!
My miracle baby was born March 5 at 9:33am. He was 8 lbs 12.5 oz and 21.25 inches long!
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After dealing with Tricare for close to a decade,I believe I agree with the lady in your OB's office. Tricare tends to be a big cluster f*ck. with that said, Tricare will cover all diagnostic testing. They will cover Clomid. They will cover HSG testing. They will not cover injectibles or IUI or IVF procedures.
I have had Prime and Standard. Standard is 100% the way to go from my experience. You have OOP expenses, but flexibility. The flexibility is worth the extra money.
If you live near a MTF that has an infertility clinic I would consider switching to prime so you can do IUI and have all those lovely perks without the out of pocket expense. I realize that is not an option for everyone, but if it is then it's something to think about! Good Luck!
TTC Since Summer 2011
BFP #1 11/5/11 EDD 7/22/12 MC 11/14/11
PGAL/PAL Always Welcome
Tricare does cover injectables and IUI if you go to an MTF. the only thing you have to pay for is the sperm washing. We pay 110 for my IUI
Married 11/27/09 and TTC right away
Dx: Complete septate uterus with cervical duplication, endometrial polyps, PCOS, endometriosis, hypo thyroid, luteal phase defect
4 uterus surgeries to correct my complete septum and to remove polyps and 2 years of seeing the RE, medicated cycles and IUIs
Baby 1 and 2: BFP 3/3/11 with 2 babies EDD 11/1/11, M/C 4/6/11
Baby #3: 8/11 pregnant EDD 4/27/11 and m/c:(
Baby #4: 10/12/11 BFP! EDD 6/16/12m/c 10/26/11
Baby #5: 3/13/12 BFP! EDD 11/25/12 ANOTHER m/c
Baby #6: 2/14/13- BFP! EDD 10/24/13, CP 2/19/13
Baby #7: 3/15/13- BFP! EDD 11/27/13, another CP
Baby #8. BFP 5/19/13 EDD 1/22/14. 8 was not our lucky number
4th septum resection on 5/31/13.
Baby #9: 6/29/13 BFP. C section scheduled for March 5th!
My miracle baby was born March 5 at 9:33am. He was 8 lbs 12.5 oz and 21.25 inches long!
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I don't have experience with Tricare Standard, since I am on Prime and go to a military hospital but they covered my PCOS tests and paid for my clomid (which worked in the first month).
I had heard they won't start treatments (under age 35) unless you have been trying for a year, so I waited nearly that long before pushing for an OB appointment only to hear from my doctor that in my case he could have started me sooner...