Nov 04 2009
TRICARE Pharmacy Program Update
Did you know today is the launch date for the new TRICARE Pharmacy Program contract?
The new contract is expected to be seamless and transparent to those using the program, but features a number of new enhancements to beneficiaries because of the consolidation of the mail-order pharmacy and retail pharmacy contracts into one new contract.
Improvements include the Specialty Medication Care Management program in the mail-order pharmacy; expansion of the Member Choice Center providing assistance to help beneficiaries switch to mail-order; and, one call center phone number: 1-877-363-1303.
Most of you have probably already received the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook in the mail. The handbook provides complete details on the new pharmacy program and how to access benefits available to you and your family.
Military beneficiaries now have comprehensive prescription drug coverage and a number of options for filling your prescriptions.
Your Pharmacy Options Include:
• Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Pharmacies—this is the least expensive option for filling prescriptions. You may receive up to a 90-day supply of most medications at no cost. Most MTF pharmacies accept prescriptions written by civilian and military providers. However, non-formulary medications generally are not available.
• Mail Order Pharmacy—this is the second most economical option. You may receive up to a 90-day supply of maintenance medications delivered directly to your home for minimal out-of-pocket costs. Simply fill the first prescription by mail or fax and request refills online or by phone. You can also transfer your current retail prescription to the Mail Order Pharmacy by calling the Member Choice Center.
• TRICARE Retail Network Pharmacies—network pharmacies are convenient for short-term medications when MTF pharmacies are not available. To receive your medication, present the written prescription along with your military ID card to the pharmacist.
• Non-Network Retail Pharmacies—you will pay full price for your medication at non-network pharmacies and file a claim for reimbursement. Reimbursements are subject to an annual deductible or out-of-network cost-shares and copayments.
Visit Express Scripts or TRICARE Pharmacy Program for the handbook and more information about the program and your options.
Let us know what you think of the new program–we look forward to your feedback!
3 Responses to “TRICARE Pharmacy Program Update”
I’m not hearing anything about future changes (if any) concerning TFL ~~~~ I like it as is!!
Are there any expected changes to TFL by the proposed insurance laws now being debated by the congress??
Thanks,
Charles B Blount JR
Life Member 01362190
There’s nothing on the table in Congress now aimed at TFL. There are explicit provisions in the health care bill aimed at preventing adverse impacts on TFL.
Will there be proposed changes in the future? Given the size of the budget deficit and continuing budget pressures that will only get worse, we think there almost certainly will be proposals to at least charge an enrollment fee for TFL. We’ll be on the alert and keep members posted.
I’m curious as to who is observing the Tricare Pharmacy program. Since Tuesday, November 3rd, the Tricare prescription approval system has been out of order. Took me three days of phoning Tricare and numerious trips to the pharmacy to get them to correct their reprograming change over error as it applied to me; advised it was a temporary computer problem during system change over and he could over ride it electronically. It turned out, not temporary and not over ridden. I submitted a prescription for refill on Friday and same problems. This time phone calls didn’t work.
Perhaps someone could look into this.
Al