Glossary
TRICARE Pharmacy Program
The DoD prescription drug benefit administered by Express Scripts — your drug coverage if you have TFL.
Also known as: Express Scripts, TRICARE Pharmacy
What is it?
The TRICARE Pharmacy Program is administered by Express Scripts and provides prescriptions through four channels: military pharmacies (free), TRICARE Home Delivery (lowest cost for retail-equivalent), TRICARE retail network pharmacies, and non-network pharmacies (highest cost).
Why does it matter?
It replaces the need for Medicare Part D and offers significantly lower copays than most Part D plans for most maintenance drugs.
When you'll encounter it
Every prescription you fill after age 65 unless you elect a different drug plan.
Impact on Medicare
Independent of Medicare. No interaction.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
Bundled with TFL — same eligibility (Parts A and B + DEERS).
Impact on Medicare Advantage
If you join an MA-PD plan, you'll have both. You can use whichever is cheaper for a given drug.
Common misconceptions
- "TFL covers my drugs." — Actually it's the TRICARE Pharmacy Program (a separate program). TFL covers medical claims; pharmacy is a parallel benefit.
Related lessons
Related glossary terms
Official sources
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.