Understanding Your TRICARE Pharmacy Options

Written By Vet Ins Adv

TRICARE covers prescriptions in several ways—military pharmacies, home delivery, and network retail pharmacies. Knowing when to use each can save you time and money.

Home Delivery – Best for Long-Term Medications

  • Ships anywhere in the U.S., including APO/FPO addresses.

  • Run by Express Scripts with over 99.99% accuracy.

  • Cheapest option after military pharmacies—free shipping and a 90-day supply for one copay.

  • For maintenance medications (long-term prescriptions), TRICARE requires you to switch to home delivery or a military pharmacy after the first two retail fills.

Military & Retail Pharmacies – Best for Short-Term Needs

  • Military pharmacies:

    • $0 cost for covered prescriptions

    • May have limited drug lists and shorter operating hours

  • Retail network pharmacies:

    • Good for quick, short-term prescriptions (like antibiotics)

    • Provide a 30-day supply per copay

  • Civilian doctors can send electronic prescriptions directly to military pharmacies.

Support & Refills

  • Pharmacists available 24/7 through your Express Scripts account for questions on dosage or side effects.

  • You can set up automatic refills for eligible prescriptions—just give consent when prompted.

  • For full details, check the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook or Program Overview.

Resources

  • https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2969529/tricare-pharmacys-home-delivery-offers-safe-convenient-option-to-get-medicines/

  • https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy

  • https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/

  • https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/Pharmacy-Operations

Vet Ins Adv
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