Health Care Insurance Planning Is Critical
Many Service members are caught by surprise when they realize the actual cost of providing
health care insurance for themselves and their families. Before you leave military service,
you need to arrange for health insurance to protect you and your family. This section will
help you learn about your options and plan for your health care insurance needs.
Most people leaving the military get civilian jobs that provide health care
insurance. The result is continuous coverage.
Sometimes, however, there is a gap between the time your service-provided coverage ends and
your new employer's coverage begins. During this time, you alone are responsible for paying
all the medical bills that you and your family might acquire. This could be
devastating. A one-day stay in the hospital could cost thousands of dollars!
Fortunately, several resources are available to ensure continuous, comprehensive, quality
health care for you and your family. Your options will be explained to you during your
appointment at your Transition Office. For specific health insurance questions, call the
Health Benefits Advisor at the nearest military medical treatment facility once you have returned
home or contact Military One Source at
http://www.militaryonesource.com
for assistance. Avoid running up medical bills without having prior approval for
payment.
Date Last Reviewed: September 6, 2011