TRICARE Pharmacy Program: Using Military and Retail Pharmacies

Last updated 3 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Your Guide to the TRICARE Pharmacy Program

This guide provides a clear, comprehensive overview for US-based TRICARE beneficiaries on effectively using their pharmacy benefits, with a particular focus on Military Treatment Facility (MTF) and retail pharmacy options. The TRICARE Pharmacy Program stands as a key benefit, ensuring access to necessary prescription drugs in a manner designed to be safe, easy, and affordable. This pharmacy coverage is generally consistent across different TRICARE health plans, although beneficiaries enrolled in the US Family Health Plan (USFHP) have separate pharmacy coverage and should consult their plan materials.

Management of TRICARE prescriptions outside of military facilities is handled by the pharmacy contractor, Express Scripts. This contractor administers TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, oversees the network of retail pharmacies, and provides essential online tools for beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are encouraged to utilize the resources provided by Express Scripts, including their dedicated website and the Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile application, to manage their prescriptions effectively.

TRICARE offers four primary avenues for filling prescriptions: Military Treatment Facility (MTF) pharmacies, TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, TRICARE retail network pharmacies, and, under specific circumstances, non-network retail pharmacies. Each option presents a different balance of cost, convenience, and access, making it important for beneficiaries to understand how each works. The official TRICARE website offers a central resource for pharmacy information at tricare.mil/pharmacy.

The availability of these distinct options, along with a dedicated contractor managing key aspects, underscores the need for beneficiaries to be well-informed to navigate the program efficiently and make choices that best suit their individual needs and circumstances.

Who Can Use the TRICARE Pharmacy Benefit?

Access to the TRICARE Pharmacy Program hinges on maintaining correct eligibility status within the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). It is crucial for beneficiaries to ensure their information in DEERS, particularly their physical residential address, is current and accurate. Failure to update DEERS can result in delays or denial of benefits and could potentially be viewed as fraudulent. Updates can be made online or by calling DEERS support at 1-800-538-9552.

The pharmacy benefit extends to a wide range of individuals associated with the uniformed services:

• Active duty service members (ADSMs) and their families
• Activated National Guard and Reserve Members and their families
• Retired service members and their families
• Retired National Guard and Reserve Members (age 60 and older who are receiving retired pay) and their families
• Survivors, certain former spouses
• Medal of Honor recipients and their families
• Beneficiaries enrolled in specific TRICARE plans, including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR), TRICARE Young Adult (TYA), and the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)

Medicare-eligible beneficiaries can also utilize the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. However, those who became eligible for Medicare based on age (65) on or after April 1, 2001, generally must be enrolled in Medicare Part B to retain their TRICARE eligibility, which includes access to pharmacy benefits outside of MTFs. Beneficiaries who turned 65 before this date may participate without Medicare Part B enrollment. It is important to note that TRICARE pharmacy coverage is considered “creditable coverage” by Medicare, meaning it is at least as good as the standard Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Consequently, most TRICARE beneficiaries do not need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan and will not face late enrollment penalties if they choose to enroll in Part D later.

When filling prescriptions, beneficiaries will typically need to present a valid Uniformed Services identification card or Common Access Card (CAC). Maintaining DEERS registration and, for Medicare-eligible individuals, ensuring appropriate Medicare enrollment are fundamental prerequisites for uninterrupted access to pharmacy benefits.

Your TRICARE Pharmacy Choices: An Overview

As established, TRICARE provides four main pharmacy options, available worldwide, although some limitations apply overseas: Military Treatment Facility (MTF) pharmacies, TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, TRICARE retail network pharmacies, and non-network retail pharmacies. The most suitable option for a beneficiary often depends on personal factors such as geographic location, budget considerations, the type of medication needed (e.g., a short-term antibiotic versus a long-term maintenance drug or a specialty medication), and the beneficiary’s specific status (e.g., active duty versus retiree).

A significant feature of the program involves safety checks. Prescriptions filled through MTFs, Home Delivery, and retail network pharmacies are automatically cross-referenced against the beneficiary’s TRICARE prescription history maintained by Express Scripts. This automated review helps identify potential drug interactions, duplicate therapies, or other clinical concerns, thereby promoting patient safety. This integrated safety mechanism highlights a potential difference when using non-network pharmacies, which operate outside this automated system, placing a greater onus on the beneficiary and the non-network pharmacist to ensure medication safety.

Option 1: Using Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Pharmacies

MTF pharmacies represent one of the most cost-effective options for obtaining prescriptions under TRICARE. These facilities are generally situated within military hospitals or clinics, although some may exist as standalone pharmacies on military installations.

Locating an MTF Pharmacy

Beneficiaries can find the nearest MTF pharmacy using the locator tool available on the TRICARE website. The primary page for MTF pharmacy information, which includes a finder link, is tricare.mil/militarypharmacy. Alternatively, the direct MTF locator can be accessed via tricare.mil/mtf.

Filling New Prescriptions

The procedure for filling a new prescription varies slightly based on the prescribing provider:

Prescriptions from MTF Providers: If the prescription originates from a provider within the military hospital or clinic, it is typically sent electronically directly to the MTF pharmacy. Beneficiaries may also turn in a paper prescription. They usually have the option to wait for the prescription to be filled or to drop it off for later pickup.

Prescriptions from Civilian Providers: If the prescription is from a civilian TRICARE-authorized provider, the beneficiary should first call the MTF pharmacy to confirm they can fill the specific medication. If the MTF can fill it, the beneficiary can ask the civilian provider to send the prescription electronically (e-prescribe) or bring the paper prescription to the MTF pharmacy. If the MTF pharmacy cannot fill the prescription (often because it’s a non-formulary drug), the pharmacy staff may collaborate with the provider to identify a suitable alternative, or the beneficiary will need to use another option like Home Delivery or a retail network pharmacy.

Q-Anywhere Service: Some MTF pharmacies offer the Q-Anywhere service, allowing beneficiaries to activate new prescriptions remotely by texting “Get in line” to the pharmacy’s designated number or scanning a unique QR code during operating hours. A text notification is sent when the prescription is ready for pickup. Beneficiaries should check with their local MTF pharmacy to see if this service is available.

Getting Refills

Refill procedures are specific to each MTF. Beneficiaries should inquire locally about the preferred method, which often involves using the MTF’s automated telephone refill line. For those registered on the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal (my.mhsgenesis.health.mil), ordering refills online may also be an option.

Drug Availability (Formulary)

MTF pharmacies operate with a more limited formulary compared to other options. They primarily stock medications listed on the Basic Core Formulary, designed to meet most primary care needs, along with many common brand-name maintenance drugs found on the Uniform Formulary. A key limitation is that non-formulary medications are generally not stocked or dispensed at MTFs. Beneficiaries requiring non-formulary drugs typically need to use Home Delivery or a retail pharmacy. It is always advisable to call the MTF pharmacy beforehand to verify the availability of a specific medication. Beneficiaries can also check a drug’s status using the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool.

Costs

The primary advantage of using MTF pharmacies is the cost: there is a $0 copayment for all covered medications filled at these facilities.

Supply Limits

MTFs can typically dispense up to a 90-day supply for most medications, making them suitable for stable, long-term therapies.

Transferring Prescriptions

It is possible to transfer eligible prescriptions from a retail network pharmacy to an MTF pharmacy, provided the MTF carries the medication. This transfer is initiated by calling Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303.

While offering the lowest possible cost, the MTF option requires beneficiaries to consider factors like geographic proximity to a military installation, the pharmacy’s operating hours, and whether their needed medications are on the MTF’s formulary. The necessity to call ahead for civilian prescriptions or non-standard items highlights potential access friction compared to the broader retail network.

Option 2: Using TRICARE Retail Network Pharmacies

For beneficiaries seeking wider access and convenience, the TRICARE retail network provides an extensive option. This network comprises over 41,000 civilian pharmacies across the United States and its territories (Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). No special registration is required to use network pharmacies; eligibility is automatic for TRICARE beneficiaries.

Locating Network Pharmacies

Finding a participating pharmacy is straightforward. Beneficiaries can use:

• The online Find a Pharmacy tool managed by Express Scripts
• The Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app
• The Express Scripts beneficiary phone line at 1-877-363-1303

Filling Prescriptions

The process at a network pharmacy involves presenting a valid prescription (either electronically sent by the provider or a paper copy) and a valid military ID card. The pharmacist will verify TRICARE coverage and determine the applicable cost. Should any issues arise during this process, beneficiaries are advised to contact Express Scripts for assistance.

Costs and Copayments

Unlike MTFs, filling prescriptions at retail network pharmacies involves cost-sharing for most beneficiaries. Active duty service members (ADSMs) are the exception, paying $0 for covered drugs at network pharmacies. For all other beneficiaries, copayments apply and vary based on their beneficiary status (e.g., retiree, active duty family member), the drug category (generic formulary, brand-name formulary, non-formulary), and sometimes their specific TRICARE plan. Detailed cost information is available on the TRICARE Costs page or by using the TRICARE Compare Costs tool.

The following table summarizes the typical copayments for a 30-day supply at a retail network pharmacy and a 90-day supply via Home Delivery, based on 2024/2025 rates (beneficiaries should always verify current costs using the official tools):

Note 1: Copayments for Survivors of ADSMs and Medically Retired members/families did not increase in 2024 and vary based on TRICARE plan (Prime vs. Select) and Group (A vs. B). Consult tricare.mil/Costs/Compare for specifics.

Note 2: Copayments shown for Survivors/Medically Retired via Home Delivery are generally consistent across plans but should be verified.

Supply Limits

The standard quantity dispensed at a retail network pharmacy is up to a 30-day supply per copayment. Some network pharmacies may be willing to dispense up to a 90-day supply, but this would typically require payment of three separate 30-day copayments.

Maintenance Medications Rule

A critical rule impacts how certain long-term medications are filled. Beneficiaries (excluding ADSMs, those with other primary prescription drug coverage, or those living overseas) are limited to filling certain maintenance medications, primarily brand-name drugs, only twice at a retail network pharmacy. After the second 30-day fill, these specific maintenance drugs must be obtained through either TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or an MTF pharmacy to continue receiving them at the standard copayment.

Attempting a third fill of these restricted drugs at a retail network pharmacy will result in the beneficiary being charged the full 100% cost of the medication. Most generic maintenance medications are not subject to this restriction and can continue to be filled at retail network pharmacies beyond two refills. Beneficiaries should consult the TRICARE Maintenance Drug List page (linked from tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Pharmacy/Drugs) or use the Formulary Search Tool to determine if their medication falls under this rule. This policy clearly encourages the use of lower-cost channels (MTF and Home Delivery) for ongoing therapies, requiring beneficiaries to be proactive in managing these prescriptions to avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Vaccines

Beneficiaries can receive certain covered vaccines, such as flu shots, at participating network pharmacies at no cost. The pharmacy locator tool or the Express Scripts phone line can be used to identify pharmacies offering this service.

The retail network offers unparalleled convenience and geographic accessibility for short-term medication needs and for accessing drugs potentially not carried by MTFs. However, beneficiaries must manage copayments and be acutely aware of the maintenance drug restrictions to avoid unexpected full-cost charges for ongoing therapies.

Option 3: Using Non-Network Retail Pharmacies

TRICARE allows beneficiaries to use pharmacies outside the established network, but this option comes with significant financial and administrative considerations, making it the least recommended choice within the U.S. and its territories. Using a non-network pharmacy should generally be considered only when access to an MTF or network pharmacy is not feasible. Overseas, where the network structure does not exist in the same way, using local “non-network” pharmacies is standard practice, though specific rules apply (e.g., certified pharmacies in the Philippines). This guide focuses primarily on the implications for beneficiaries within the US.

The Process

The fundamental difference when using a non-network pharmacy is the payment and reimbursement process:

• Pay Upfront: The beneficiary must pay the entire cost of the prescription directly to the pharmacy at the time of service.
• File a Claim: To recoup a portion of the cost, the beneficiary must then manually file a claim with TRICARE for reimbursement.

Filing a Claim

The claim process requires careful attention to detail:

Form: The correct form is the “Patient’s Request for Medical Payment” (DD Form 2642). This form can be downloaded from the TRICARE Forms page or potentially directly from the WHS Forms site.

Required Information: The completed DD Form 2642 must be submitted along with a copy of the pharmacy receipt containing specific, legible details. Information that cannot be handwritten on the receipt includes the date filled, quantity dispensed, pharmacy name, amount paid by the beneficiary, and the drug name and strength. Information that can be handwritten includes the day supply, prescription number, pharmacy address, doctor’s name/DEA number, pharmacist’s signature, and details about other insurance payments or the retail price. If the beneficiary has other health insurance (OHI) with pharmacy benefits, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the OHI must also be included. Online claim submission might be possible through the Express Scripts portal, requiring prescriber information, a receipt copy, and the pharmacy’s phone number.

Deadline: Claims must be filed within one year of the date the prescription was filled in the U.S.

Submission Address (U.S.): Paper claims should be mailed to the pharmacy contractor: Express Scripts, Inc., P.O. Box 52132, Phoenix, AZ 85082.

Costs (The Catch)

This is where the non-network option becomes significantly less attractive. Reimbursement is only partial and is contingent upon meeting applicable deductibles and cost-shares or copayments.

Deductibles First: Crucially, beneficiaries must satisfy their annual deductible before TRICARE provides any reimbursement for non-network pharmacy claims.

Cost-Sharing Calculation:

• TRICARE Prime Plans: After meeting the annual Point-of-Service (POS) deductible ($300 per individual / $600 per family, based on 2024 rates), the beneficiary is responsible for a 50% cost-share of the TRICARE-allowable charge for the drug.
• TRICARE Select & Other Plans: After meeting the plan’s annual deductible (which varies by beneficiary group), the beneficiary is responsible for the greater of either a fixed copayment amount (e.g., $43 for formulary, $76 for non-formulary in 2024/25) or 20% of the total TRICARE-allowable cost of the drug.

Potential Additional Costs: Non-network pharmacies that do not “participate” with TRICARE (meaning they don’t agree to accept the TRICARE-allowable charge as full payment) may charge more than the amount TRICARE recognizes. Beneficiaries are responsible for paying any difference between the pharmacy’s charge and the TRICARE-allowable amount, plus their regular deductible and cost-share. This potential for balance billing further increases the financial risk.

Supply Limits

Similar to network pharmacies, fills at non-network pharmacies are typically limited to a 30-day supply.

The non-network pharmacy option places a substantial financial and administrative load on the beneficiary. The requirement to pay full price upfront, navigate a detailed claims process, meet deductibles before reimbursement, and potentially face costs exceeding the TRICARE-allowable charge makes this an option to be avoided unless absolutely necessary within the United States. The complexity of the cost-sharing calculations, particularly the “greater of” rule for Select plans, adds another layer of difficulty compared to the predictable copayments at network pharmacies.

Option 4: TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (Briefly Mentioned)

While the primary focus here is on MTF and retail pharmacies, TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, managed by Express Scripts, serves as another important option, particularly favored for maintenance medications taken on an ongoing basis.

Process

This service delivers prescriptions, typically up to a 90-day supply, directly to the beneficiary’s mailing address via free standard shipping.

Costs

Copayments apply for most beneficiaries (ADSMs pay $0). As shown in the table in Section V, the copayment for a 90-day supply through Home Delivery is generally more economical than obtaining three separate 30-day supplies from a retail network pharmacy.

Getting Started/Transfers

Beneficiaries can easily set up Home Delivery and manage refills through various channels: the Express Scripts website, by phone (1-877-363-1303), by mail using the registration form, or via the Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app. Express Scripts can assist in transferring existing prescriptions from retail or MTF pharmacies, typically by contacting the beneficiary’s provider to obtain a new 90-day prescription. Providers can also send prescriptions directly via e-prescribing. The program’s structure, including lower 90-day copays and the maintenance drug rule for retail, actively encourages the use of Home Delivery for long-term medication needs.

Understanding the TRICARE Formulary: What Drugs Are Covered and What Do They Cost?

The TRICARE Formulary is the cornerstone of the pharmacy benefit, serving as the official list of prescription drugs covered by TRICARE. This list includes both generic and brand-name medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s important for beneficiaries to understand that the formulary is not static; it is reviewed and updated quarterly by the Department of Defense Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee, meaning a drug’s coverage status or cost tier can change over time.

Drug Tiers/Categories

Covered drugs on the formulary are grouped into categories that directly impact the beneficiary’s out-of-pocket cost and sometimes where the prescription can be filled:

Generic Formulary Drugs (Tier 1): These drugs have the lowest copayment, are widely available, and are chemically equivalent to their brand-name counterparts. TRICARE policy mandates that prescriptions be filled with a generic product if an FDA-approved generic equivalent is available, unless the provider establishes medical necessity for the brand-name drug.

Brand-Name Formulary Drugs (Tier 2): These are brand-name drugs considered clinically effective and generally available, but they have a higher copayment than generic formulary drugs.

Non-Formulary Drugs (Tier 3): These drugs are also covered by TRICARE but have the highest copayment tier. They may not be as readily available across all pharmacy types; specifically, they are generally not available at MTF pharmacies. Accessing these drugs often requires the provider to submit documentation for prior authorization or medical necessity.

Non-Covered Drugs: These drugs are not covered by the TRICARE pharmacy benefit. Beneficiaries must pay 100% of the cost for these medications. Non-covered drugs cannot be filled at MTF pharmacies or through Home Delivery, and the amount paid does not count towards the annual catastrophic cap.

The TRICARE Formulary Search Tool

Given the complexity and dynamic nature of the formulary, the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool is an indispensable resource for beneficiaries. This online tool, managed by Express Scripts, provides detailed information about specific medications.

Accessing the Tool: It can be found at express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/fst or the alternative URL www.esrx.com/tform.

Information Provided: By entering the drug name, strength, and the patient’s age and sex, beneficiaries can determine:

• If the drug is covered by TRICARE
• Its formulary status (generic, brand-name, non-formulary)
• Copayments/cost-shares at different pharmacy options (MTF, Home Delivery, Retail Network)
• Where the prescription can be filled
• Any applicable coverage rules or limitations, such as requirements for prior authorization, medical necessity, quantity limits, age restrictions, or step therapy
• Links to download necessary prior authorization or medical necessity forms
• Information about potential therapeutic alternatives

Importance: Regularly using this tool before filling prescriptions, especially new ones or those for chronic conditions, can help beneficiaries anticipate costs, understand requirements, and avoid potential access issues or unexpected charges, particularly given the quarterly formulary updates.

Prior Authorization (PA) and Medical Necessity (MN)

These processes are used by TRICARE to ensure that certain medications are used appropriately, safely, and cost-effectively.

Triggers: PA or MN may be required for various reasons, including if a drug is non-formulary, if it’s a brand-name drug with a generic alternative available, if quantity or age limits apply, or if the drug is specifically designated by the DoD P&T Committee.

Process: The process requires action from the prescribing provider. The provider must obtain the specific PA or MN form (usually found via the Formulary Search Tool), complete it with clinical justification, and submit it to Express Scripts for review. Instructions are included on the forms. For brand-name drugs requested over available generics, the provider may need to call Express Scripts directly or submit a specific form.

Outcome: If approved, the PA allows the drug to be dispensed, while an MN approval for a non-formulary drug may allow the beneficiary to pay the lower formulary-tier copayment instead of the higher non-formulary cost. Approvals generally apply across pharmacy types, although MN approvals specifically impact costs at network and home delivery pharmacies. This reliance on provider action for PA/MN submission means that a beneficiary’s access to certain medications can be influenced by their provider’s engagement with these administrative requirements.

Comparing Your Options: MTF vs. Retail Network Pharmacies

Choosing between an MTF pharmacy and a retail network pharmacy involves weighing several key factors. Both are common choices for in-person prescription fills, but they offer different advantages and disadvantages. The “best” choice is often situational, depending on the beneficiary’s priorities regarding cost, convenience, and medication needs.

The following table provides a direct comparison:

Key Trade-offs

Cost vs. Convenience: MTFs offer the undeniable advantage of zero cost for prescriptions. However, this comes at the cost of convenience, requiring beneficiaries to travel to a military installation, potentially face longer wait times, and navigate potentially limited operating hours. Retail network pharmacies offer significantly greater convenience with numerous locations and typically longer hours, but require copayments for most beneficiaries.

Formulary Access: MTFs have a more restricted formulary, making them less suitable for beneficiaries needing non-formulary medications. Retail network pharmacies provide access to a wider range of drugs, including non-formulary options, albeit at a higher cost tier.

Supply Limits & Maintenance Drugs: MTFs are well-suited for stable, long-term medications due to the 90-day supply limit. Retail pharmacies, with their typical 30-day supply and the mandatory switch rule for certain maintenance drugs, can be less convenient and potentially more costly for ongoing therapies compared to MTF or Home Delivery.

Ultimately, beneficiaries located near an MTF who primarily use formulary medications may find the MTF to be the most economical choice. Those prioritizing convenience, needing broader formulary access, or living far from a military installation will likely favor the retail network, while remaining mindful of copayments and the specific rules governing maintenance medications.

Managing Your Prescriptions and Getting Help

Effectively managing prescriptions under TRICARE involves understanding refill processes, how to transfer prescriptions between pharmacy types, and how to access specialty medications. Being proactive and utilizing available resources is key to ensuring continuous access to needed medications.

Getting Refills

The process for obtaining refills varies by pharmacy type:

MTF Pharmacies: Each MTF has its own specific refill procedures. Beneficiaries should check with their local MTF pharmacy for instructions, which commonly involve using an automated phone line or potentially the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal (my.mhsgenesis.health.mil) if registered.

Retail Network Pharmacies: Refills are typically handled directly with the chosen network pharmacy, following their standard procedures.

Home Delivery: Refills can be managed through the Express Scripts website, the Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app, by phone (1-877-363-1303), or by mail using the refill form provided with previous orders. While Express Scripts offers an automatic refill program, beneficiaries should be aware of a policy change requiring them to approve each refill before it ships.

Transferring Prescriptions

Moving prescriptions between different pharmacy types often requires specific steps:

Between Retail Network Pharmacies: This is usually simple. The beneficiary can ask the new pharmacy to contact the old pharmacy, bring the current prescription bottle to the new pharmacy, or ask their doctor to send a new prescription to the new pharmacy.

From Retail Network to MTF: If the MTF carries the medication, the beneficiary should call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303 to request the transfer.

From Retail Network or MTF to Home Delivery: This typically requires the beneficiary to be registered with Express Scripts Home Delivery. They can then initiate the transfer via the Express Scripts website, mobile app, or by calling 1-877-363-1303. Express Scripts will usually contact the prescriber to obtain a new prescription written for a 90-day supply. Providers can also facilitate this by sending a new 90-day electronic prescription directly to Express Scripts Home Delivery.

Specialty Drugs

TRICARE provides coverage for specialty drugs, which are typically high-cost medications used to treat complex, chronic conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs often require special handling, administration training, and are not available at all pharmacies.

Filling Locations: Prescriptions for drugs on the TRICARE specialty drug list must be filled through specific channels: designated in-network retail pharmacies (which includes Accredo, a specialty pharmacy), TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (which utilizes Accredo for enhanced specialty services), or an MTF pharmacy if the drug is stocked there.

Accredo Services: When using Home Delivery for eligible specialty drugs, beneficiaries gain access to Accredo’s specialized services at no extra cost beyond their standard TRICARE cost-share. These services include 24/7 access to specialty-trained pharmacists and nurses, condition-specific clinical support, and flexible delivery scheduling.

Finding Information: Beneficiaries can check if their medication is considered a specialty drug and where it can be filled by using the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool or by consulting the Specialty Drug list on the TRICARE website (tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Pharmacy/Drugs/SpecialtyMeds) or the main specialty drug page (tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/SpecialtyDrugs).

Key Contacts & Resources

Navigating the pharmacy benefit is made easier by utilizing the available resources:

Express Scripts (Pharmacy Contractor): The primary point of contact for benefits outside of MTFs.

• Phone: 1-877-363-1303 (TDD/TTY: 1-877-540-6261)
• Website: militaryrx.express-scripts.com
• Mobile App: Express Scripts Pharmacy app (available on app stores)
• The website and app serve as the main hubs for managing prescriptions, checking order status, finding pharmacies, viewing costs, and initiating transfers or refills.

TRICARE Website: The official source for overall program information: tricare.mil. Key pages include:

• Pharmacy Overview: tricare.mil/pharmacy
• Costs: tricare.mil/costs & tricare.mil/Costs/Compare
• MTF Pharmacies: tricare.mil/militarypharmacy
• Network Pharmacies: tricare.mil/networkpharmacy
• Non-Network Pharmacies: tricare.mil/nonnetworkpharmacy
• Home Delivery: tricare.mil/homedelivery
• Claims: tricare.mil/PatientResources/Claims/PharmacyClaims

TRICARE Formulary Search Tool: Essential for drug-specific information: express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/fst.

Health.mil: Provides information from the Defense Health Agency, including P&T Committee details and formulary updates.

Successful navigation of the TRICARE Pharmacy Program often requires beneficiaries to actively manage their prescriptions, especially when dealing with maintenance or specialty drugs, or when transferring between pharmacy types. The digital tools provided by Express Scripts are clearly intended as the primary interface for managing benefits outside the MTF setting, emphasizing the value of online engagement for efficient self-service.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.