How to Use TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy: 2026 Guide | TRICARE.com

## Quick answer The TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy is managed by Express Scripts and allows you to receive a 90-day supply of maintenance medications delivered directly to your home at a lower cost than retail pharmacies. To start, ask your doctor to send an electronic prescription to Express Scripts or register through the Express Scripts mobile app.

## Details TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery is often the most cost-effective way for beneficiaries to manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. (Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site; for official policy, visit TRICARE.mil).

### How to Switch to Mail Order There are three primary ways to move your prescriptions to Express Scripts: * **Mobile App:** Download the Express Scripts app and use the "Switch to Home Delivery" feature. * **Electronic:** Have your provider send a 90-day prescription electronically to "Express Scripts Home Delivery." * **Phone:** Call the Express Scripts Member Support line at 1-877-363-1303.

### 2026 Costs and Copays Copays for home delivery depend on your beneficiary status (e.g., active duty vs. retiree) and the drug's category. For **Plan Year 2026**, typical copays for a 90-day supply are: * **Generic (Tier 1):** $13 * **Brand-Name (Tier 2):** $38 * **Non-Preffered (Tier 3):** $76 * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** $0 for all covered drugs.

### Mandatory Generic Policy By law, TRICARE requires prescriptions to be filled with a generic drug when available. if you or your doctor request a brand-name drug when a generic is available, you may have to pay the full cost of the brand-name drug unless a medical necessity waiver is approved.

### Maintenance Medications for Retirees Under the "TRICARE For Life" and retiree rules, you are often required to use mail order or a Military Pharmacy for "maintenance medications" (long-term drugs). Filling these at a retail pharmacy after two fills will result in you paying 100% of the cost.

### Limitations and Exclusions * **Controlled Substances:** Some Schedule II drugs cannot be mailed or have strict limit requirements. * **Refrigerated Meds:** Express Scripts uses temperature-controlled packaging for insulin and other cold-chain biologics. * **Oconus:** Home delivery is available to APO/FPO/DPO addresses, but check for local customs restrictions in your specific country.

## Who this affects * Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) and their families. * National Guard and Reserve members (on active duty or enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select). * Retirees and their families (including those on TRICARE For Life). * Survivors and Medal of Honor recipients.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Pharmacy Page:** https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy * **Express Scripts TRICARE Home Delivery:** https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/home-delivery * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil/ * **TRICARE Formulary Search Tool:** https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/formulary/