How To Fill TRICARE Prescriptions: Guide to Costs & Pharmacies

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current data, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer You can fill TRICARE prescriptions through four channels: military pharmacies (free), TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (Express Scripts), a network retail pharmacy, or a non-network pharmacy. Active duty service members must get most prescriptions at military pharmacies or via home delivery to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

Details

All TRICARE plans include a comprehensive pharmacy benefit managed by **Express Scripts**. Your costs and options depend on your beneficiary status and the type of drug prescribed (Generic, Brand-Name, or Non-formulary).

### 1. Military Pharmacies (Best Value) This is usually the lowest-cost option. Most military pharmacies provide up to a 90-day supply of medications at **$0 copay** for all TRICARE beneficiaries. * **Note:** Not all drugs are stocked at every military clinic. Check the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool before visiting.

### 2. TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery Managed by Express Scripts, this is the most convenient option for "maintenance medications" (drugs you take regularly for chronic conditions). * **Cost (2026 rates):** Varies by plan year—check TRICARE.mil for current rates. Historically, generics cost significantly less than brand-name drugs. * **Availability:** Prescriptions are typically for a 90-day supply. * **Active Duty:** There is usually a $0 copay for active duty service members using home delivery.

### 3. TRICARE Network Retail Pharmacies You can use retail chains like Walgreens, CVS (select locations), or local independent pharmacies within the TRICARE network. * **Cost (2026 rates):** Varies by plan year—check TRICARE.mil for current rates. Retail pharmacies usually provide 30-day supplies and carry higher copays than home delivery. * **Process:** Present your Military ID card at the pharmacy counter.

### 4. Non-Network Pharmacies Using a pharmacy outside the network is the most expensive route. You will likely pay the full price upfront and must file a claim for partial reimbursement. * **TRICARE Prime:** You will pay a 50% point-of-service cost-share. * **TRICARE Select:** You pay a deductible and a percentage of the cost.

### Filling Specialty Medications Specialty medications (e.g., for cancer, MS, or rheumatoid arthritis) must often be filled through **Accredo**, the specialty pharmacy arm of Express Scripts. These drugs usually require prior authorization from your doctor.

### Region-Specific Support While Express Scripts handles the pharmacy benefit nationwide, your regional contractor manages the medical authorizations that may be required for certain drugs: * **East Region:** Humana Military * **West Region:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Required to use military pharmacies or home delivery for maintenance meds. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Can use all four options; costs vary by pharmacy type. * **Retirees and their Families:** Eligible for all options, but usually pay higher copays than active duty families. * **TRICARE Reserve Select & Retired Reserve:** Eligible for the standard pharmacy benefit. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL) beneficiaries:** Must use Home Delivery or Military Pharmacies for maintenance drugs; retail is restricted for certain tiers.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Pharmacy Overview:** [https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy](https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy) * **Express Scripts TRICARE Portal:** [https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/) * **TRICARE Formulary Search Tool:** [https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/formulary](https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/formulary) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [https://health.mil/](https://health.mil/)