OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Changes are coming to the TRICARE system. In accordance with section 702 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, TRICARE pharmacy co-payments increase every two years. The increase in prices will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.
The modification with TRICARE pharmacy copay is in effort to produce money for the Department of Defense to fund upgrades in military readiness and make current TRICARE health benefit. Congress used a portion of the savings for a plan remedying families of service members killed in action.
For those who use the home delivery option, the co-payments for up to a 90-day supply of generic drugs will go up from $7 to $10. The co-payment for brand named pharmaceutical drugs will increase from $24 to $29. The co-payments for drugs not covered by insurance will increase from $53 to $60.
Co-payments for up to a 30-day supply of generic drugs at a retail network pharmacy will go up from $11 to $13. The co-payments for brand named pharmaceutical drugs will increase from $28 to $33. The co-payments for drugs which are not covered by insurance will increase from $53 to $60.
At pharmacies not part of the network, individuals will pay the full price for their medication. If individuals have reached their annual deductible, they may submit a claim for partial reimbursement.
Non-network pharmacy costs remain the same if the individuals use TRICARE Prime. With TRICARE Prime, you’ll pay a 50% cost-share of the total cost of a covered health care service that you pay.
For more information on TRICARE pharmacy costs, individuals should visit TRICARE Costs. To learn more about pharmacy benefit, visit Pharmacy on the TRICARE website at www.tricare.mil