Glossary
TRICARE Home Delivery
TRICARE's mail-order pharmacy through Express Scripts — 90-day supplies of maintenance medications at the lowest retail-equivalent copay.
Also known as: mail order pharmacy, Express Scripts Home Delivery, TPharm mail order
Quick answer
TRICARE Home Delivery is the mail-order arm of the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, run by Express Scripts. It ships 90-day supplies of maintenance medications directly to your home with free standard shipping. Refills can be set to auto-renew.
Why it matters
Home Delivery is the lowest-cost option outside MTF pharmacies — and the most convenient. For most TFL beneficiaries, moving all maintenance drugs to Home Delivery is the single biggest pharmacy decision they make.
Why this matters at age 65
Newly retired beneficiaries often discover Home Delivery for the first time at 65. Setting it up before retirement avoids cash payments at retail in the transition month.
When you'll encounter it
Any maintenance drug taken regularly. Not appropriate for acute, short-course drugs (antibiotics, opioids in some cases).
Impact on Medicare
Independent of Medicare. Medicare does not see Home Delivery claims.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
Lower copay than retail network. Combines with TFL's $0 medical cost-sharing to keep total annual OOP low.
Impact on Medicare Advantage
MA-PD plans also offer mail order, but TRICARE Home Delivery copays for generics are usually lower.
Military-specific context
Sign up at militaryrx.express-scripts.com or call 1-877-363-1303. Prescribers can e-prescribe to 'Express Scripts Home Delivery (TRICARE)' or fax the script directly. Initial fills can take 7–10 business days; plan ahead.
Common misconceptions
- "Home Delivery and Express Scripts are different things." — Home Delivery IS the Express Scripts mail-order service used by TRICARE.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting a 30-day retail refill auto-renew instead of transferring to 90-day Home Delivery.
- Waiting until you run out to request the first Home Delivery fill — allow 7–10 business days lead time.
Real-world scenario: A retiree consolidates four maintenance generics to TRICARE Home Delivery.
Each 90-day supply arrives with auto-refill enabled. Total quarterly copay is far less than the same drugs at retail network — and shipping is free.
What should I do?
- 1Create your account at militaryrx.express-scripts.com.
- 2Ask each prescriber to e-prescribe maintenance drugs to TRICARE Home Delivery for 90-day supply.
- 3Enable auto-refill and refill reminders.
- 4Keep a small retail backup supply for the transition period.
Questions people commonly ask
- How long does TRICARE Home Delivery take?
- Can I use Home Delivery for controlled substances?
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- Prescription drug coverage under TRICARE For LifeWhy TFL beneficiaries use TRICARE Pharmacy (Express Scripts), not Medicare Part D — and how the four pharmacy options compare.
- What is TRICARE For Life? The complete guide for retired militaryThe Medicare-wraparound benefit you earned through service — what it covers, who qualifies, what it costs, and how it activates.
- How Medicare and TRICARE For Life work togetherThe exact mechanics of who pays first, who pays second, and what you owe — for every common care scenario.
- Understanding Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for veteransExactly what Part A and Part B cover, what they cost in 2026, and why both are required to keep TRICARE For Life.
- Brand-Name DrugsFDA-approved drugs sold under a manufacturer's proprietary name — middle copay tier on the TRICARE formulary.
- Generic DrugsChemically identical, FDA-approved equivalents of brand-name drugs — the lowest copay tier under TRICARE Pharmacy.
- Non-Formulary DrugsDrugs not on the TRICARE preferred list — highest copay tier, often requires Medical Necessity approval.
- Non-Network PharmacyA civilian pharmacy that is NOT contracted with Express Scripts — highest cost and usually requires you to pay up front and file a claim.
- Creditable Drug CoveragePrescription drug coverage that CMS certifies is at least as good as standard Medicare Part D — including TRICARE Pharmacy and VA Pharmacy.
- How do I move a prescription to Home Delivery?Have your doctor send a 90-day prescription to Express Scripts Home Delivery, or transfer it from a retail pharmacy through the Express Scripts app or 1-877-363-1303.
- Who pays first, Medicare or TRICARE For Life?Medicare pays first for any service it covers. TFL pays second. The claim usually crosses over automatically — you should never pay out of pocket up front.
- How much does Medicare Part B cost?Most people pay the standard Part B premium (roughly $185/month in 2026). Higher-income retirees pay IRMAA on top. Lower-income retirees may qualify for help paying it.
- Should I enroll in Medicare Part D?No, for almost every TFL beneficiary. TRICARE Pharmacy (Express Scripts) is creditable coverage and cheaper than most Part D plans. Adding Part D usually costs more without adding benefit.
- Is there an enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life?No. TFL has no enrollment fee and no monthly premium. The only premium you pay is for Medicare Part B.
Related glossary terms
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.