New TRICARE Prescription Program Takes Effect

About 1.4 million people are eligible to benefit from a new TRICARE prescription drug program for retired military personnel over 65 that began April 1, the Providence Journal reports. The program, called TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program, operates on a "straightforward copayment structure" with costs dependent on how the prescriptions are dispensed. There is no copayment for drugs filled through military pharmacies, while prescriptions through the National Mail Order Pharmacy will cost $3 for a 90-day supply of generics or $9 for brand name drugs. Beneficiaries will pay $3 for a 30-day supply of generic drugs and $9 for brand name drugs at retail network pharmacies, while the copay will be the higher of $9 or 20% of the total cost for a 30-day supply at non-network pharmacies. To be eligible for the benefit, retired military personnel must be eligible for Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B. In addition, beneficiaries must be registered with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. To claim the benefit, recipients must present a Uniformed Service identification card at the pharmacy (Providence Journal, 4/16).