Episode 5 – Transition and TRICARE

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Lila Quintiliani. Lila is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and a Chartered Financial Consultant®, where she puts those important designations to full-time use as the Program Director - Financial and Benefits Education/Counseling at the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). In this conversation, we focus on TRICARE, where we unpack and discuss eligibility, plans, restrictions, catastrophic caps, fees, deductibles and more! This is the episode we have been asked about most to better understand TRICARE and choices at separation or retirement ensure a smooth transition.

Below are links and resources that we mention during the show:

2025 TRICARE Catastrophic Cap (Group A & Group B) chart2025 TRICARE Health Plan Costs

2025 TRICARE Cost & Fees Fact Sheet (PDF download)

MOAA’s TRICARE Toolkit

Connect with our guest on social media:

• LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 4 – Transition Decision 

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with their friend of more than 20 years, Jason Medsger. Jason is an Air Force Colonel and is the Security Force Officer Career Field Manager. Although still active duty, he is getting ready to “push the button” for retirement and plans to retire effective August 2026. In this first installment of our time with Jason, we explore his questions leading up to his separation, including job prospecting, decision-making, and the impacts of transition on the family, both good and bad. Stay tuned for more installments of Jason’s journey through transition – it is sure to be both entertaining and informative!

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 3 – Transition and Benefits Planning 

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia dig into benefits planning at retirement and separation with Heather Walrath. Heather is the spouse of an Air Force veteran; she is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and works at Navy Mutual in the Education and Veteran's Services Department as a Military Benefits Liaison and Financial Educator.  In this conversation, Heather shares stories about her own military transition, her spouse’s experience with transition, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), VA benefits planning, the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and more! 

Below are some links to items and programs we mention during the show:

• VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge 

• DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) 

• DoD Survivor Benefit Plan 

• DoD Actuary Site SBP

• DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) Survivor Benefit Plan 

• Navy Mutual – Survivor Benefit Plan Basics 

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 2 – Transition and a Quest 

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia chat with Jason “Jay” France. Jay retired after more than 31 years in the Air Force finishing his career as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader at United States Transportation Command. At the culmination of his tremendous career, he took to the wilderness and hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a childhood dream of his. Jay shares his transition story, his desire to have a quest on the PCT immediately following his transition out of uniform, the family dynamics impacting him during his journey, and the book, Five Million Steps. His book tells the story of his quest, including insight into his childhood and multiple life-changing events that ultimately shaped his life and his phenomenal career. 

Below are links to Jay’s book that we mention during the show:

Five Million Steps - paperback on Amazon

Five Million Steps – on audiobook on Audible

Connect with Jason “Jay” France:

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• YouTube

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 1 – Our Transition 

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia share their own experience with transition, including the surprises, challenges, and triumphs they’ve faced over the last year since their transition. As the hosts of The Next Tour, they provide a glimpse into the coming season of the show and some insight into what their guests will explore deeper. Of course, it will be candid while remaining fun.

Connect with Ian and Andia on LinkedIn

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Here is a link to the program Andia mentioned in this episode: Veterans Benefits Banking Program

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Welcome to The Next Tour with Ian and Andia where we explore military transition.This is our introduction episode.