Personal Finance for Military Families: Cut TRICARE and Prescription Costs

Even small changes to how you handle prescriptions and medical bills can free up real cash. If you or a family member uses TRICARE, the formulary, pharmacy rules, and simple budget moves matter. This page gives quick, practical steps you can use today to lower out-of-pocket costs and keep your household budget steady.

Save on Prescriptions

Start by checking whether a drug is on the TRICARE formulary and which tier it’s in. Generic meds usually cost much less than brand-name versions. If a brand is prescribed, ask your provider if a generic or a therapeutic equivalent exists. Use the TRICARE Prescription Explorer to compare coverage and copays before you pick up a refill.

Consider mail-order pharmacies for 90-day supplies — they often lower copays and cut travel time. Also check your local network pharmacies: some have lower cash prices for certain generics. If a medication is non-formulary, your provider can request an exception or prior authorization; that can save you from full-price surprises.

Ask your doctor about step therapy options. Sometimes starting with a lower-cost drug works just as well and avoids higher-cost treatments. If you’re on multiple meds, request a medication review to spot duplicates or drugs you no longer need. Fewer meds usually mean lower costs and fewer side effects.

Simple Budget Moves That Add Up

Make a small health fund in your budget for predictable costs like copays and refills. Even $25 a month builds a useful cushion. Use automatic transfers so saving happens without thinking about it. Track prescription refill dates on your phone to avoid emergency fills, which often cost more.

Compare benefits annually at Open Season. Your plan choices and pharmacy networks change sometimes, and switching could cut costs. If you have civilian insurance in addition to TRICARE, coordinate benefits—one plan may cover more of your meds than the other. Avoid double payments by understanding who pays first.

Look for coupons and manufacturer savings programs for specific brand drugs, but read terms carefully—some programs don’t work with TRICARE. For durable medical supplies, compare a few suppliers and ask for military discounts. Always ask pharmacists if a lower-cost alternative exists; they know the real prices and often offer helpful options.

Finally, keep a running list of your out-of-pocket medical spending for a year. That data helps you predict next year’s needs and decide whether a change in plan or pharmacy will pay off. Use the TRICARE Prescription Explorer to check coverage, copays, and alternatives—small steps here often lead to big savings over time.