F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Starting Feb. 1, TRICARE is slated to introduce changes to the prescription copayment costs in all pharmacy locations including medical treatment facilities on military installations.
Cost for prescriptions will vary depending on the outlet filling the prescriptions, the tier of the prescribed medication and whether the patient is active-duty, retired or dependents.
TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits Program classifies medication in three tiers: formulary generic, formulary brand and non-formulary, each with a different copay.
“The goal of these price modifications is to provide TRICARE beneficiaries with high-value healthcare, which includes the cost-effective use of medications,” said Capt. Aleksey Ushkin, 90th Medical Support Squadron Pharmacy Operations chief.
Patients will be encouraged to use medications or visit pharmacies that have lower overall cost, but still provide the same high-quality healthcare.
Non-prescription services, such as doctor appointments, should not be affected. Also, active-duty service members will continue to be able to get prescriptions without copay regardless of outlet; however, active-duty patients must meet certain medical necessity requirements before being able to obtain TRICARE non-formulary medications at all points of service.
During Ushkin’s four years of active duty, this is the second time prescription copay has changed, he said.
“This is a normal and necessary modification to help reign in healthcare costs, including pharmacy services, for the federal government,” he added. “Patients currently receiving their prescriptions through MTF pharmacies should notice no change, but should be aware of the costs at the various points of service.”
Ushkin states, a similar outcome should be expected as when prices increased several years ago. More patients are predicted to switch from retail network pharmacies to either MTF or home delivery pharmacies, and processing times at the MTFs are likely to rise as prescription volume expands.
“I believe the United States provides its military members, their dependents and retirees with a very robust network of pharmacy services, options and coverage,” Ushkin said. “I believe the price change will encourage more patients to choose pharmacy options that have the potential to save vast amounts of taxpayer money, which will be beneficial for all.”
For the most up-to-date TRICARE pharmacy copay information, visit www.tricare.mil/pharmacy