How to Fill Your Prescriptions
At Your Military Pharmacy (MTF)
Best for: Active duty members and families living near a military installation
- 1Bring your prescription and military ID to the MTF pharmacy
- 2Drop off the prescription at the window
- 3Wait for it to be filled (same-day for most medications)
- 4Pick up at the designated window — no copay required
Tip: Call ahead to check if your medication is in stock. Not all MTFs carry every medication.
Through Express Scripts Mail Order
Best for: Maintenance medications, families not near an MTF, anyone wanting convenience
- 1Register at militaryrx.express-scripts.com or call 1-877-363-1303
- 2Ask your doctor to send a 90-day prescription electronically to Express Scripts
- 3Or mail a paper prescription with a completed order form
- 4Medications arrive at your door in 7-14 business days
Tip: Set up auto-refill to never run out of maintenance medications. Express Scripts will ship your next supply automatically.
At a Network Retail Pharmacy
Best for: Urgent prescriptions, short-term medications, or when MTF is not accessible
- 1Find a TRICARE network pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc.)
- 2Present your military ID and prescription
- 3Pay the applicable copay at the counter
- 4Receive up to a 30-day supply
Tip: Use the Express Scripts pharmacy locator to confirm a pharmacy is in the TRICARE network before going.
Managing & Refilling Prescriptions
Request Refills Early
You can request refills when you have about a 10-day supply remaining. For mail order, request at least 14 days before running out to account for shipping time.
Transfer to Mail Order (Save Money)
Switching from retail to mail order can save you significant money. Generic medications are free through mail order versus $14 at retail. Here's how to transfer:
- 1Call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303
- 2Provide your current pharmacy name and prescription details
- 3Express Scripts contacts your retail pharmacy to transfer the prescription
- 4Your first mail order supply ships within 7-14 days
- 5Set up auto-refill so future shipments are automatic
Note: Not all medications can be shipped via mail order. Controlled substances and medications requiring refrigeration may need to be filled at an MTF or retail pharmacy.
Common Questions
Can I transfer a prescription from retail to mail order?
Yes. Call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303 and they'll handle the transfer from your retail pharmacy. You can also ask your doctor to write a new 90-day prescription and send it directly to Express Scripts.
What if my prescription is out of refills?
Contact your doctor's office or your PCM (Primary Care Manager) to request a new prescription. For mail order, Express Scripts can send a refill request to your doctor on your behalf.
Can I get prescriptions while traveling?
Yes. You can fill prescriptions at any TRICARE network retail pharmacy nationwide. If traveling overseas, contact your regional contractor for assistance. Emergency prescriptions are covered everywhere.
How do I check the status of my mail order?
Log in at militaryrx.express-scripts.com or use the Express Scripts app. You can track shipments, see estimated delivery dates, and confirm when your order has been processed.
What if the MTF pharmacy doesn't have my medication?
They can often order it for you (usually arrives in 1-3 days). Alternatively, they may give you a prescription to fill at a retail pharmacy or through Express Scripts mail order.
Are compound medications covered?
Some compound medications are covered by TRICARE, but they require prior authorization. Your doctor will need to submit a request. Compound medications are generally only available at retail pharmacies or MTFs, not through mail order.