New TRICARE copays take effect Published Jan. 30, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. E. Taylor Worley 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- TRICARE prescription copayments will increase Feb. 1. The prescription costs will be based on the type of prescription and where it's filled. According to www.tricare.mil, Congress signed the increases into law under the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, which requires TRICARE to increase copays on brand name medications not filled at military pharmacies. Copays for generic medications will not increase. "Information about the increase appears in the 'Breaking News' box of the pharmacy Explanation of Benefits sent to beneficiaries Jan. 11." said Yolanda Ortiz, 99th Medical Group beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinator. Prescriptions filled at military pharmacies will still be free of charge. However, certain medications may not be available at all military pharmacies. Annual prescription increases will occur based on retiree cost-of-living adjustments. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/pharmacycosts or call the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Medical Center's TRICARE office at 653-2383.
