Editor’s Note: This article is part of MOAA’s 2026-27 TRICARE Guide, brought to you by MOAA Insurance Plans, administered by Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA). A version of the guide appeared in the November 2026 issue of Military Officer magazine. 

TRICARE groups prescription drugs into several categories based on coverage, availability, and clinical use. Understanding the program’s pharmaceutical terms can help you identify which medications are covered, where you can fill prescriptions, and the costs you might need to pay.

Formulary drugs are medications covered by TRICARE and are generally widely available. They include both generic formulary drugs and brand-name formulary drugs. Generic medications approved under the TRICARE pharmacy benefit work the same way as their brand-name equivalents and provide the same treatment, usually at a lower cost. When a generic-equivalent drug is available, TRICARE typically fills the prescription with the generic version.

Non-covered drugs are medications that TRICARE doesn’t cover. If your drug isn’t covered, talk with your provider about whether a similar formulary medication might be appropriate. If you choose to use a non-covered drug, you might have to pay the full cost up front and file a claim for reimbursement. Even then, cost shares, copayments, deductibles, and other expenses may still apply.

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Covered non-formulary drugs are medications TRICARE covers, but they might cost more than other drugs in the same therapeutic class. These drugs are available through the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery program for an additional cost. They usually aren’t stocked at military pharmacies, although you can ask your local military pharmacy if it carries them. Many are also available at TRICARE retail network pharmacies. In some cases, your provider may need to show that the drug is medically necessary.

Specialty drugs are used to treat complex, chronic conditions. They might require special storage, handling, or monitoring, and they might not be widely available at retail pharmacies. Some specialty drug prescriptions must be filled by TRICARE’s specialty pharmacy service, Accredo. Specialty medications often cost more than generic or brand-name drugs.

Maintenance drugs are medications regularly taken over a long period to manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Because these prescriptions are ongoing, it’s important to understand how to refill or renew them before you run out.

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A refill means you can order another supply of medication while authorized refills remain on the prescription. If using a military pharmacy, you can request refills in the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. For prescriptions filled at a TRICARE retail network pharmacy, check with the pharmacy for its process.

A renewal is needed when you’ve used all available refills. You must contact your provider to get a new prescription. You may also request renewals through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, but in some cases, your provider may need to see you first.

It Pays to Shop Around

While TRICARE’s mail-order pharmacy is a convenient way to get prescriptions delivered to your door, it’s not always the least expensive choice.

Use the Express Scripts online tool to compare prescription drug coverage, costs, and pharmacy options. The tool shows estimated costs for 30- or 90-day supplies at in-network retail pharmacies and up to a 90-day supply through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery.

The tool, which is available through your Express Scripts online account or the Express Scripts Pharmacy mobile app, provides information specific to you.

After logging in, select “Check Coverage” from the homepage or under the “Prescriptions” menu. In the mobile app, go to the “More” menu and choose “Check Coverage.” Enter the medication name to view coverage details, pharmacy options, costs for brand-name and generic drugs, covered alternatives, and drug descriptions.

Reviewing these options can help you choose the pharmacy option that best meets your needs, and doing so may help you save money.