My husband was career military (USAF) until he retired in 2002. While he was still in, we maintained BCBS Federal PPO thru the FAA, then Tricare payed all the deductibles, etc. (TriCare ALWAYS becomes a secondary when other insurance exists). I had my tonsils out and only paid $3 out of pocket when all was said and done - the two togther is great coverage). This has been the best choice for us. Now that he's retired we still have and use TriCare as a secondary. They still pay all the deductibles, and all the difference on prescriptions, etc.
As for Dental, while he was active duty, the military dental plan (used to be Delta Dental) was what we had. All Dental plans stink, not just the govt offered ones. Back in 2002, the govt did not offer vision or dental insurance....that started about 2 years ago. I currently have the MetLife (High) and its nowhere near as good as what we got when we were active duty. I would still stick with what the military offers for dental.
PM me if you need more info on this....I am well versed at how the two work togther.
Debb