Lesson 10 of 15
Prescription drug coverage
Quick answer
TFL beneficiaries get prescription drug coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, administered by Express Scripts. You can use military pharmacies (lowest cost), TRICARE network retail pharmacies, or home delivery. Do not enroll in a Medicare Part D plan — it can disrupt your TRICARE Pharmacy benefits.
Key takeaways
- Four options: military pharmacy, home delivery, retail network, non-network (highest cost).
- TRICARE Pharmacy is creditable coverage — you will not face a Part D penalty for not enrolling.
- Enrolling in Part D is usually a mistake for TFL beneficiaries.
- Copays apply based on drug tier and dispensing channel.
Detailed explanation
Where to fill prescriptions
- Military pharmacy (MTF) — typically $0 for formulary drugs.
- Express Scripts home delivery — low copays for 90-day supplies.
- TRICARE retail network pharmacy — moderate copays for 30-day supplies.
- Non-network pharmacy — highest cost, used only when necessary.
Why not Part D?
A Part D plan layered on top can cause coordination problems with Express Scripts. The TFL Handbook is clear: TRICARE Pharmacy is your drug coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What if I'm hospitalized — who pays for drugs?
Drugs given to you as an inpatient are covered under Part A. The TRICARE Pharmacy benefit covers outpatient prescriptions you fill yourself.
Can I use TRICARE Pharmacy overseas?
Coverage exists overseas through specific channels — see the TFL Handbook chapter on overseas care.
Official government resources
Official Medicare and TRICARE publications are the definitive source. This page is an independent educational summary; always confirm specifics against the resources above.