TRICARE Reserve Prescription Coverage & 2026 Copays | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer Members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard (and their families) access prescription coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, managed by Express Scripts. Whether you are on active duty orders or enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), you have the same pharmacy options as active duty families, including home delivery, retail networks, and military pharmacies.

Details

### Pharmacy Options for Reservists The pharmacy benefit remains consistent across most TRICARE plans, including TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP). There are four ways to fill prescriptions:

1. **Military Pharmacies:** $0 copay for up to a 90-day supply. This is the most cost-effective option, though it requires proximity to a military installation. 2. **TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery:** Managed by Express Scripts. This is the standard for maintenance medications. For 2026, many generic drugs filled via mail-order have a $16 copay for a 90-day supply. 3. **Retail Network Pharmacies:** Over 50,000 pharmacies nationwide (like CVS, Walgreens, or local grocers). 2026 copays typically start at $16 for generics and $43–$48 for brand-name drugs for a 30-day supply. 4. **Non-Network Pharmacies:** Generally the most expensive option. You will likely pay the full price upfront and file a claim for partial reimbursement.

### Special Requirements for Maintenance Meds If you are enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select, you are generally required to fill "maintenance medications" (long-term drugs for conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol) via Home Delivery or at a military pharmacy. You may be allowed two fills at a retail pharmacy before you must switch to mail-order or face higher "non-network" pricing.

### Coverage During Activation When a Reservist or National Guard member is called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, they (and their families) transition to "Active Duty" status. * **The Sponsor:** Must fill all prescriptions at military pharmacies if possible. * **The Family:** Gains access to the same pharmacy benefits as active duty families, often with $0 copays if using military facilities.

### Filing Claims If you are OCONUS (Overseas) or used a non-network pharmacy, you must file a claim for reimbursement with Express Scripts. As of 2026, claims must typically be filed within one year of the date of service in the U.S. and US territories, or within three years if overseas.

## Who this affects * **Selected Reserve & National Guard:** Members enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS). * **Activated Reservists:** Those on federal active duty orders for more than 30 days. * **Family Members:** Spouses and children of TRS-enrolled or activated members. * **TAMP Beneficiaries:** Members covered during the 180-day transition period after leaving active duty.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Pharmacy Overview:** https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy * **Express Scripts TRICARE:** https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/ * **Defense Health Agency (DHA) Cost Factors:** https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/TRICARE-Health-Plan/Cost-Shares * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** https://www.triwest.com/