TRICARE Prescription Costs & Pharmacy Tiers (2026)
*Disclaimer: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current enrollment data, visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer Most active duty service members pay $0 for prescriptions. For all others, costs depend on your beneficiary status and where you fill the script: military pharmacies are typically free, while home delivery and retail pharmacies require co-pays ranging from $16 to $103 for a 90-day supply (2026 rates).
Details
TRICARE pharmacy costs are managed by Express Scripts and generally fall into four "tiers" based on the drug's cost-effectiveness and clinical necessity.
### 1. Military Pharmacies (MTFs) This is almost always the least expensive option. * **Cost:** $0 for up to a 90-day supply. * **Availability:** Not all medications are stocked at every base. You should check the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool before visiting.
### 2. TRICARE Home Delivery (Express Scripts) The most convenient option for "maintenance" medications (drugs taken regularly for long-term conditions). * **Generic (Tier 1):** $16 for a 90-day supply (2026 rates). * **Brand Name (Tier 2):** $43 for a 90-day supply (2026 rates). * **Non-Formulary (Tier 3):** $92 for a 90-day supply (2026 rates).
### 3. Retail Network Pharmacies Best for short-term needs like antibiotics. * **Generic (Tier 1):** $18 per 30-day supply. * **Brand Name (Tier 2):** $48 per 30-day supply. * **Non-Formulary (Tier 3):** $103 per 30-day supply.
### 4. Non-Network Pharmacies If you use a pharmacy outside the TRICARE network, you will pay the full price upfront and must file a claim for partial reimbursement. * **TRICARE Prime:** Your costs may be subject to Point-of-Service fees. * **TRICARE Select:** You pay the full cost until you meet your deductible, then a percentage of the cost (typically 20%).
### Exceptions and Special Rules * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSM):** Always pay $0 for covered drugs at any pharmacy. * **Specialty Drugs:** These often must be filled through Home Delivery or a Specialty Pharmacy Network and may have different cost structures. * **Catastrophic Cap:** All pharmacy co-pays count toward your annual catastrophic cap. Once you hit that cap, you pay $0 for covered pharmacy services for the remainder of the year.
## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** (Always $0). * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Pay co-pays at retail/home delivery. * **Retirees and their Families:** Pay slightly higher premiums and co-pays. * **Guard/Reserve:** Members on active duty or enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select. * **Survivors:** Benefits match their previous sponsor's status.
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Pharmacy Costs:** https://www.tricare.mil/Costs/PharmacyCosts * **Express Scripts TRICARE:** https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/ * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil/ * **TRICARE Formulary Search Tool:** https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/formulary_search/index.html#/