When you're on TRICARE, your prescription drug coverage doesn't work like your civilian insurance. For most military families, the real savings come from generics-but only if you know how to use them right. In 2025, 92% of all prescriptions filled through TRICARE were for generic medications. That’s not just a number-it means millions of service members, retirees, and their families are saving hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars a year by choosing the right drug at the right pharmacy.
How TRICARE’s Generic Drug System Works
TRICARE doesn’t just cover generics-it pushes them. The program has a four-tier drug list, and the first tier is for generic medications that are approved, affordable, and clinically proven. These aren’t cheap knockoffs. They’re the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, made to FDA standards, and often cost 80-85% less. For example, lisinopril for high blood pressure costs about $48 at a retail pharmacy if you’re paying full price. With TRICARE’s generic coverage, you pay $16-or nothing at all-if you fill it at a military pharmacy. The key is knowing where to get it. TRICARE’s pharmacy network includes three main options:- Military pharmacies (on-base): $0 copay for all covered generics. No waiting, no paperwork. This is the best deal you’ll find anywhere.
- TRICARE Home Delivery (through Express Scripts): $13 for a 90-day supply of generics in 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, it goes up to $14. You get free shipping and automatic refills.
- Network retail pharmacies (like CVS, Walgreens): $16 for a 30-day supply. This is the most common choice for families who need a quick fill.
Not All Generics Are Covered-Here’s Why
Just because a drug is generic doesn’t mean TRICARE will pay for it. The program has a formulary-a list of approved medications that’s updated every month. As of October 2025, TRICARE covers about 5,500 brand-name and generic drugs. But around 12% of generic drugs on the market aren’t on that list. That means if your doctor prescribes a generic that’s not approved, you’ll either pay full price or need to get prior authorization. Prior authorization isn’t a red flag-it’s standard procedure. If a generic isn’t on the formulary, your provider has to prove it’s medically necessary. In 2024, 78% of those requests were approved. But the process can take up to 72 hours. If you’re on a tight schedule, that’s a problem. That’s why checking the TRICARE Formulary Search tool before your doctor writes the script is critical. You can search by drug name, strength, and even see the exact copay for each pharmacy option.Who Pays What? A Real-World Breakdown
The cost of your generic depends on who you are and where you fill the prescription. Here’s how it breaks down for 2025:| Beneficiary Type | Military Pharmacy | Home Delivery (90-day) | Network Retail (30-day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Duty Service Members | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Retirees & Families (TRICARE Prime) | $0 | $13 | $16 |
| Retirees & Families (TRICARE Select) | $0 | $13 | $16 |
| TRICARE For Life (Medicare-eligible) | $0 | $13 | $16 |
What’s Not Covered? The Big Gaps
TRICARE’s coverage isn’t perfect. In August 2025, the program stopped covering certain weight loss generics-like semaglutide-for TRICARE For Life beneficiaries. That’s about 1.2 million retirees and their spouses who now have to pay full price for medications that are FDA-approved and widely used in civilian healthcare. The change came from a 2024 National Defense Authorization Act provision, but it’s created real hardship for people managing obesity-related conditions like diabetes and heart disease. There are other exclusions too. Some generic biologics-like those used for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis-face higher barriers. They require more documentation and take longer to approve. In 2025, 22% more prior authorizations were needed for these complex generics than for standard ones. If you’re on one of these drugs, plan ahead. Don’t wait until your prescription runs out.How TRICARE Compares to Other Programs
Compared to Medicare Part D, TRICARE’s generic copays are higher-$13-$16 vs. $7-$10. But Medicare doesn’t offer $0 copays at military pharmacies. That’s a unique advantage TRICARE has. Veterans with VA benefits get free prescriptions, but only if they’re enrolled in VA care. TRICARE covers active duty, retirees, and their families-no enrollment needed. In a 2025 Commonwealth Fund report, TRICARE ranked third among U.S. government health programs for generic drug access-behind Medicare Advantage but ahead of Medicaid. That’s not because it’s the cheapest-it’s because it’s the most consistent. If you’re on TRICARE, you know exactly what you’ll pay, no matter where you live.Real Stories from Real Families
On Reddit, a Marine Corps retiree wrote: “My generic cholesterol pill costs $14 for 90 days through home delivery. My neighbor, who’s on a private plan, pays $30 for 30 days. I don’t get why anyone would choose anything else.” Another user on Military OneSource shared: “I waited three days for approval on a generic blood pressure med. My doctor had to call in extra lab results. I got it eventually-but I missed two days of meds. Next time, I’m checking the formulary first.” The feedback is clear: TRICARE works well when you know the rules. The biggest complaints? Prior authorization delays and inconsistent staff knowledge at retail pharmacies. Some CVS or Walgreens employees don’t know how to process TRICARE claims correctly. Always call ahead or use the online formulary tool to avoid surprises.
How to Use TRICARE Generics Like a Pro
Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the most out of your coverage:- Check the formulary before your appointment. Use the TRICARE Formulary Search tool. Type in the drug name and strength. If it’s Tier 1, you’re good.
- Ask your doctor to prescribe generics. Even if they’re not on the formulary, they can request prior authorization. Many doctors don’t know TRICARE’s process-help them.
- Use home delivery for chronic meds. If you’re on a daily pill, 90-day supplies save money and hassle. Set up auto-refills.
- Fill at military pharmacies when you can. No copay. No waiting. No stress. If you’re near a base, use it.
- Call the TRICARE Pharmacy Helpline if you’re stuck. 1-877-363-1303. Average wait time is under 5 minutes. They can check coverage, explain prior auth, and even help you find alternatives.
What’s Changing in 2026?
The biggest change is the $1 increase for home delivery generics-$13 to $14. That’s the first increase since 2023. Experts predict it won’t affect adherence. In a 2024 pilot, only 0.8% fewer people filled their prescriptions after a similar hike. Other updates coming:- Real-time benefit tools in Q3 2026: Your doctor will see your copay before writing the script.
- Step therapy expansion: You may need to try one generic before moving to another.
- Pharmacogenomic testing by 2028: Genetic testing to match you with the right drug.
Final Takeaway: Generics Are Your Best Friend on TRICARE
TRICARE’s pharmacy program is built around one simple idea: use generics to save money without sacrificing care. And it works. With 92% of prescriptions being generics, the program saves $1.7 billion every year. That money stays in the system, helping more families get the meds they need. Your job? Know the rules. Use the tools. Choose the right pharmacy. And never assume a generic is automatically covered. Check the formulary. Ask questions. Speak up if something’s wrong. Because when you understand how TRICARE works, you’re not just saving money-you’re protecting your health.Are all generic drugs covered by TRICARE?
No. TRICARE has a formulary list of approved drugs, and only generics on that list are covered. About 12% of generic medications aren’t included and require prior authorization. Always check the TRICARE Formulary Search tool before filling a prescription.
What’s the cheapest way to get generics on TRICARE?
Fill your prescription at a military pharmacy. Active duty members, retirees, and their families pay $0 for all covered generics there. If a military pharmacy isn’t nearby, TRICARE Home Delivery at $13 for a 90-day supply is the next best option.
Why was my generic drug denied by TRICARE?
Your drug may not be on the TRICARE formulary, or it may require prior authorization because it’s a newer generic or has a therapeutic alternative already covered. You can appeal the decision or ask your provider to submit additional medical records. About 78% of prior auth requests are approved.
Can I use TRICARE generics at any pharmacy?
You can use any network retail pharmacy, but you’ll pay $16 for a 30-day supply. Non-network pharmacies aren’t covered unless you’re overseas or in a military emergency. Always use a TRICARE-authorized pharmacy to avoid unexpected bills.
Are weight loss generics covered by TRICARE?
As of August 31, 2025, TRICARE For Life beneficiaries (retirees and spouses on Medicare) are no longer covered for weight loss generics like semaglutide. Active duty members and other TRICARE beneficiaries may still qualify under certain conditions. Check the formulary or call the pharmacy helpline for updates.
Deborah Andrich
December 11, 2025 AT 16:24Just filled my 90-day metformin via home delivery for $13. My cousin on Medicare pays $28 for the same thing at CVS. TRICARE’s not perfect but it’s the only plan that actually makes generics feel like a real benefit.
Stop complaining about the $1 increase next year - it’s still cheaper than your private insurance’s copay.
Rawlson King
December 11, 2025 AT 18:51The formulary exclusion for semaglutide is a disgrace. This isn't about cost control - it's about punishing retirees with chronic conditions. TRICARE pretends to care about health but cuts off life-saving meds because of a line in a defense bill. Shameful.
Alvin Montanez
December 12, 2025 AT 06:40Let me be clear - if you're still filling prescriptions at retail pharmacies when you have access to military pharmacies or home delivery, you're literally throwing money away. I'm not exaggerating. A 30-day supply at Walgreens costs $16. A 90-day supply via home delivery? $13. That's not a savings - that's a financial win. And yet I see people on forums asking if they can 'save money' by using their CVS card. No. You can't. You're not saving. You're losing. And if you're an active duty member and you're paying anything at all? You're doing it wrong. Zero copay means zero copay. Use it. Use it. Use it. And if your pharmacist doesn't know how to process TRICARE? Tell them to call the helpline. Or better yet, just go to the base. It's not that hard. Seriously. I've seen people drive 45 minutes to a civilian pharmacy when the military one is 10 minutes away. That's not convenience. That's poor decision-making wrapped in inertia. Stop it.
Tommy Watson
December 12, 2025 AT 13:36so i waited 3 days for my blood pressure med bc the doc had to submit like 5 forms and i missed 2 days?? like wtf??
and then the pharmacy lady at walgreens looked at me like i was speaking alien when i said "tricare"
why does this system feel like it was designed by someone who hates people??
also why is semaglutide banned for retirees?? i have diabetes and i'm 62 and i'm supposed to just... pay $500/month now??
fuck this
Karen Mccullouch
December 13, 2025 AT 05:49Canada thinks they’re better? Ha. My brother’s on OHIP and he pays $12 CAD for a 30-day generic - but he can’t get it delivered and he has to drive 40 minutes to a pharmacy that doesn’t even take his card right. Meanwhile I get my $13 90-day supply shipped to my door with auto-refills. TRICARE wins. Period.
Stop acting like we’re the bad guys because we don’t have a single-payer system. We have a system that actually works for the people who serve. And you know what? I’m proud of that.
Cole Newman
December 14, 2025 AT 16:53yo i just realized something - if you're on tricare prime and you're using retail pharmacies, you're basically paying more than you have to. why? because you're not using home delivery. i used to do this too - always at cvs - until i found out i could get 90 days for $13. now i refill every 3 months. i save $48 a year just by not being lazy. it's not hard. go to esrx.com. click. done. it's like amazon but for your meds. why are we still doing this the hard way?
Casey Mellish
December 15, 2025 AT 11:04As an Australian serving with the US Navy, I’ve seen how TRICARE compares to our PBS system. We have bulk billing, but generics often have long wait times for approval and limited stock. TRICARE’s formulary system, while bureaucratic, is transparent and consistent. The $0 copay at military pharmacies is unmatched globally. Even our veterans’ system doesn’t offer that. The real issue isn’t the system - it’s the lack of education. Most service members don’t know the tools exist. That’s the gap. Not the coverage.
Tyrone Marshall
December 16, 2025 AT 16:31There’s a quiet revolution here. TRICARE didn’t just lower drug costs - it changed behavior. People are thinking ahead. They’re checking formularies. They’re asking doctors to prescribe generics. They’re planning refills. That’s not just savings - that’s empowerment. The $1 increase? A rounding error. The real cost is the stress of not knowing. TRICARE gives you certainty. You know what you pay. You know where to go. You know what to do. That’s rare in American healthcare. Most people are guessing. You’re not. You’re playing the system right. And that’s worth more than a few dollars. It’s peace of mind.