Military Pharmacy
You may have prescriptions filled at military pharmacies free of charge. Military pharmacies are usually located within a military treatment facility (MTF), but some military bases also have free-standing pharmacies located in other areas within the gates.
Filling Prescriptions at Military Pharmacies
If the medication is prescribed by a physician at the MTF, go to the pharmacy and wait for your prescription to be filled before you leave. You'll need your uniformed services ID card to pick up your prescription.
If you have a prescription from a non-MTF provider, there are some additional steps you may need to take especially if you don't normally receive care at the MTF. Turn your prescription in at the pharmacy. You can wait for it to be filled or drop it off and pick it up later based on local pharmacy rules and wait times.
Please note the following when filling prescriptions from non-MTF providers at military pharmacies:
- The prescription must be from an authorized, licensed health care provider.
- You can receive up to a 90-day supply for most medications.
- Non-formulary medications are usually not available at military pharmacies. The pharmacy will offer a formulary equivalent.
- Brand name drugs are not available at military pharmacies unless specifically listed on the Basic Core Formulary (BCF). The pharmacy will offer a generic equivalent. The Formulary Search Tool notes "BCF Items" for specific medications listed on the Department of Defense BCF.
While non-formulary and brand name drugs are typically not available at military pharmacies, the pharmacists can review these special requests and consider them on a case-by-case basis. If the prescription you need is not on the BCF, call the military pharmacy first to see if the prescription can be filled. MTFs may add other medications to their local formularies based on the scope of care at each MTF.
Prescription Refills
Each military pharmacy may have its own prescription refill process. Check with the pharmacy for specific details.
If you're a registered user on the TRICARE Online Web Portal, you may be able to manage your prescription refills online. >>Learn More
Enrolled in the US Family Health Plan?
Remember, you will fill prescriptions through your US Family Health Plan's pharmacies, either onsite, network or mail-order, depending on what pharmacy options are available with your plan. You will not access military treatment facility pharmacies or TRICARE's other pharmacy options. To learn about your prescription drug coverage, enter your profile.
Was your prescription written by a civilian provider?
Call the military treatment facility pharmacy first to see if the prescription is available.
What is the Basic Core Formulary (BCF)?
The BCF is a list of medications from the TRICARE uniform formulary that all full-service military treatment facilities are required to have available. Learn more...
Do you have a family member who is also a provider?
Providers can't write prescriptions of any kind (controlled or non-controlled) for family members.
Last Modified:October 11, 2012
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