Military spouses can significantly reduce health and insurance costs with strategic planning. Here’s a guide to maximizing the benefits earned through military service.
TRICARE Strategy Mastery
- Choose between TRICARE Prime and Select strategically to maximize savings.
- Utilize military treatment facilities for routine care to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
- Schedule specialty care appointments through the TRICARE portal at optimal times.
- Obtain year-long specialty care referrals during primary care visits.
- Order 90-day prescriptions through Express Scripts to avoid civilian prices.
- Use base pharmacies for acute medications and coordinate refills through auto-refill programs.
- Schedule preventive services during off-peak hours for shorter wait times.
- Request same-day lab work to avoid return visits.
Life Insurance Combinations That Work
- Maximize FSGLI coverage and consider adding child coverage.
- Stack FSGLI with workplace policies for enhanced benefits.
- Coordinate policy renewals with PCS moves to leverage new state regulations.
- Time medical exams with military health assessments to save on separate exams.
- Utilize military association group rates for additional coverage savings.
Dental Coverage Optimization
- Schedule cleanings and major dental work strategically around annual caps.
- Use military dental clinics for emergencies to avoid civilian rates.
- Select a “network plus” dentist to eliminate copays.
- Time optional procedures during base dental events for free services.
- Coordinate children’s dental care with school breaks for maximum savings.
Vision Benefits Done Right
- Schedule eye exams at military hospitals for free services.
- Use FEDVIP allowances for glasses and contacts effectively.
- Combine FEDVIP coverage with military exchange optical sales for additional savings.
- Leverage computer vision coverage for teleworking spouses.
- Document vision-related expenses for tax purposes to maximize FSA reimbursements.
Hidden Health Savings Most Miss
- Combine TRICARE with military wellness programs for additional savings.
- Utilize telehealth options to avoid costly urgent care visits.
- Participate in military medical research programs for free health screenings and services.
- Create an emergency care strategy by mapping TRICARE-approved facilities.
- Keep digital copies of medical records accessible for emergencies.
Your Health Savings Action Plan
Start with one benefit this week, such as switching prescriptions to Express Scripts. Review your life insurance coverage next month. In six months, you could have a comprehensive health cost strategy that saves your family thousands annually. Remember, these benefits are your right as a military family.
How to Verify Your Military Status & Redeem the 5 Ways Military Spouses Can Save On Health And Insurance Costs Military Discount
Most retailers verify your military status through one of three trusted services. The exact method depends on the brand:
- ID.me – Used by most major US brands. Create a free account at id.me, upload your military ID or service documents once, and get a discount code.
- SheerID – Common for outdoor, fitness, and lifestyle brands. Verification is instant against DoD records in most cases.
- In-store ID check – Show your CAC, VA card, retiree ID, or DD-214 at checkout. Available for active duty, Guard/Reserve, retirees, veterans, and qualifying dependents (varies by retailer).
Who qualifies for the 5 Ways Military Spouses Can Save On Health And Insurance Costs military discount?
Eligibility typically extends to: active duty (all branches), National Guard, Reserves, retirees, military veterans, and immediate family members (spouses and children) where the retailer permits. Always check the brand's current policy at checkout — terms can change.
Pro tips before you check out
- Verification accounts (ID.me, SheerID) work across hundreds of brands — set one up once and reuse it.
- Some brands stack military discount with seasonal sales; others do not. Test before you commit.
- Keep your service documents handy: a photo of your ID on your phone speeds in-store verification.
Looking for more savings? Browse all military discounts on Military Markdown →