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TRICARE Clearstrip.htm: Pharmacy Search Guide 2026

Learn about Clearstrip.htm, the legacy TRICARE pharmacy search tool, and how to find modern 2026 drug coverage and copay information.

TRICARE Clearstrip.htm: Pharmacy Search Guide 2026

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer "Clearstrip.htm" is a legacy technical filename historically used on the official TRICARE website to host the **TRICARE Pharmacy Search Tool**. If you are looking for this page today, it has been replaced by more modern interactive search portals managed by Express Scripts to help you check drug coverage, copayments, and availability at retail pharmacies.

## In detail While "clearstrip.htm" was once a common direct link for beneficiaries to find the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool, the system has evolved into a more robust interface. Today, the functionality once associated with that file is split between the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and Express Scripts, the TRICARE pharmacy program contractor.

### The TRICARE Formulary Search Tool This is the modern version of what "clearstrip" provided. It allows beneficiaries to search for any medication to determine: * **Coverage Status:** Whether the drug is Formulary (covered), Non-formulary (higher cost), or Non-covered. * **Copayments:** 2026 rates vary based on the beneficiary category and where the prescription is filled. * **Pharmacy Options:** Whether the drug must be filled via the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or if it is available at Military Pharmacies or Retail Network Pharmacies. * **Medical Necessity:** If a brand-name drug is required over a generic, the tool provides the necessary "Medical Necessity" forms.

### 2026 Pharmacy Cost Shares If you are searching for coverage via the formulary tool, you will likely encounter these 2026 costs for a 90-day supply via Home Delivery or a 30-day supply at a retail network pharmacy:

| Drug Category | Home Delivery (90-day) | Retail Network (30-day) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Generic** | $16 | $16 | | **Brand-Name Formulary** | $43 | $43 | | **Non-Formulary** | $92 | $92 | | **Military Pharmacy** | $0 | N/A |

### Regional Variations While the pharmacy benefit is uniform across the United States, your regional contractor manages your overall health records and authorizations that may interact with your pharmacy benefits: * **TRICARE East:** Managed by **Humana Military**. * **TRICARE West:** Managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** (as of January 1, 2025).

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Always have $0 copays for covered drugs at any pharmacy. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Pay varying copays unless using a Military Pharmacy ($0). * **Retirees and their Families:** Subject to the standard 2026 pharmacy cost shares listed above. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL) Users:** Must use the pharmacy search tool to ensure medications are covered by TRICARE as the secondary payer to Medicare.

Common scenarios

### Scenario 1: Searching for a Maintenance Med John is a retiree in the West Region (TriWest). He uses the formulary search tool (formerly clearstrip.htm) to look up a generic cholesterol medication. The tool confirms the drug is a "Tier 1 Generic." John chooses Home Delivery and pays a **$16 copay** for a 90-day supply in 2026.

### Scenario 2: High-Cost Speciality Drug Sarah is an active duty spouse in the East Region (Humana Military). Her doctor prescribes a non-formulary specialty medication. She uses the search tool to find the "Prior Authorization" form. Because she is active duty, once the authorization is approved, she pays **$0** at the military clinic, or the standard **$92** non-formulary fee if she uses a retail network pharmacy.

## Related terms * **Formulary:** The official list of medications covered by TRICARE. * **Express Scripts:** The private contractor that manages the TRICARE pharmacy benefit. * **Non-Formulary:** Drugs not on the preferred list that carry a higher copayment (e.g., $92 in 2026). * **Prior Authorization:** A requirement where your doctor must get approval from TRICARE before certain drugs can be covered. * **Tier 3 Drugs:** Another name for non-formulary medications.

## Sources * TRICARE Formulary Search Tool: [https://www.express-scripts.com/static/tricare/formulary/](https://www.express-scripts.com/static/tricare/formulary/) * TRICARE Pharmacy Program Overview: [https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy](https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy) * Express Scripts TRICARE Portal: [https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/)