By Carl Surran
TRICARE Urges Use Of Mail Order Drugs
Summer 2006
Drugs purchased through TRICARE's mail order program generally are cheaper and more convenient than drugs obtained through its retail network. Yet only six percent of 6.6 million military beneficiaries with prescriptions to fill used the mail order program in 2005.
This means many beneficiaries are paying more than necessary for medicines, according to Capt. Thomas J. McGinnis, head of TRICARE's new Pharmaceutical Operations Directorate. McGinnis says mail order users already save 66 percent on co-payments because prescriptions filled by mail provide a 90-day supply versus 30 days in the retail network. He also touts the convenience of reducing travel costs, parking hassles and waiting in long lines.
As early as October, TRICARE is expected to restructure pharmacy co-payments so mail order usage becomes more attractive. To learn more about the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy, visit www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy/tmop.cfm.
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