Note from MOAA: Have you been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, or the response? Share your story to help MOAA understand the needs of the uniformed services community in this challenging time.

MOAA continues to make progress toward a possible TRICARE pharmacy copay waiver during the COVID-19 national emergency.

Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Elaine Luria (D-Va.) have introduced H.R. 6573, the Help our Heroes Access Medicine Act, authorizing DoD to waive TRICARE prescription copays during national emergencies.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmaker to Support H.R. 6573]

While the legislation stops short of mandating a copay waiver, it outlines the decision criteria Congress expects DoD to use in evaluating a waiver during such emergencies. By doing so, it makes the intent of Congress clear: TRICARE mail order pharmacy copays should be waived under the current circumstances.

The bill not only gives DoD flexibility in using the authority to waive copays, but also ensures officials can use this legislation in future national emergencies.

As Congress considers the next round of coronavirus stimulus legislation, MOAA is reaching out to the Senate side to encourage a companion bill.

Please join us in our efforts by encouraging your member of Congress to support H.R. 6573.