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Changes to your TRICARE prescription drug copayments in 2026

Copayment changes for your prescription drugs will go into effect January 1, 2026. Copayments will change at TRICARE Home Delivery, which includes the specialty pharmacy Accredo, to provide expanded clinical services for patients with complex and chronic health conditions and retail pharmacies. There is still a $0 copay for prescriptions filled at military pharmacies.

Why the change?

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2018 established changes to TRICARE prescription copayments. Your prescription copayments vary based on where you fill your prescription and on the prescription’s formulary status (generic, brand-name, or non-formulary).

If you are an Active-Duty Service Member (ADSM), you will continue to have $0 copays for covered drugs at military pharmacies, network retail pharmacies and TRICARE Home Delivery. Copayments for dependent survivors of ADSMs and medically retired service members and their dependents will remain the same.

What are the copayments as of January 1, 2026?

TRICARE Home Delivery (Up to a 90-day supply)

  • Tier 1 Generic Formulary drugs will increase from $13 to $14.
  • Tier 2 Brand-Name Formulary drugs will increase from $38 to $44.
  • Tier 3 Non-Formulary drugs will increase from $76 to $85.

Retail Network pharmacies (Up to a 30-day supply)

  • Tier 1 Generic Formulary drugs will remain at $16.
  • Tier 2 Brand-Name Formulary drugs will increase from $43 to $48.
  • Tier 3 Non-Formulary drugs will increase from $76 to $85.

Retail Non-network pharmacies (Up to a 30-day supply)

Note: Beneficiaries using non-network pharmacies may have to pay the total amount of their prescription first and then file a claim to receive reimbursement. Reimbursements are subject to deductible or out-of-network cost shares and copayments.

  • Formulary:
    • TRICARE Prime: 50% cost-share after Point of Service (POS) deductibles.
    • For those who are not enrolled in TRICARE Prime: $48 or 20% of total cost, whichever is greater, after annual deductible is met.
  • Non-Formulary:
    • TRICARE Prime: 50% cost-share after POS deductibles.
    • For those who are not enrolled in TRICARE Prime: $85 or 20% of total cost, whichever is greater, after annual deductible is met.
  • Non covered:
    • All beneficiaries: No reimbursement is authorized.

Where can I learn more about the coverage and cost of a medication?

The Formulary Search Tool provides information about your medication coverage and cost. A medication search through the Formulary Search Tool will show you:

  • Information about the drug and where it can be filled (military pharmacies, home delivery, network retail pharmacies)
  • Coverage results and requirements, such as prior authorization and medical necessity
  • Alternative drug options
  • Copayments (if applicable)

The Formulary Search Tool will not reflect 2026 copayments until January 1, 2026.

You can also visit tricare.mil/Costs/Compare for the 2026/2027 cost tables and details about NDAA copayment protections. This will be updated as of January 2026.

How can I find a military pharmacy?

Find a military pharmacy by visiting tricare.mil/mtf.

How can I get started with TRICARE Home Delivery?

  • Online. Log in or create an account to switch your medication to home delivery.
  • Mobile app. If you have an existing prescription at a retail or military pharmacy, you can transfer it using the Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app.
  • Phone. Call (877) 363.1303 and have your prescription bottle ready. A patient care advocate will work with your provider to transfer your medication to home delivery.
  • e-Prescribe. Ask your provider to submit your prescription electronically. Express Scripts Pharmacy will process your prescription and mail it to you. If a copayment applies, you’ll receive an invoice in the mail.
  • Mail. Fill out the Home Delivery Order Form (PDF) and then mail the completed form and your 90-day prescription to the address listed on the form.

How can I find a local, retail pharmacy?

Find a local, network retail pharmacy by using the Find a Pharmacy tool.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about copayment changes, or you need help with your pharmacy benefit, call Express Scripts, toll-free at 877.363.1303.

For specialty medications, call Accredo at 877.882.3324.

Published 11/03/2025.

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