An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Sept. 29, 2022

TRICARE Offers Contraceptive Care to Support You, Your Family, and Your Readiness

By TRICARE Communications

Whether you’re a service member or a TRICARE-eligible family member, contraceptive care plays a key role in your overall health, wellness, and quality of life. It also supports your individual and family readiness. TRICARE covers a full range of contraceptive methods, regardless of which health plan you have. And recent changes to TRICARE policies help make sure you’ll have easy, convenient, and timely access to contraceptive services.
 
“Because contraceptive health care supports stability and flexibility, we looked at how to make contraceptive services both more affordable and accessible for all TRICARE beneficiaries,” said Regina Julian, deputy assistant director for Health Care Operations, Defense Health Agency. “The waiving of cost-shares and copayments for certain contraceptive services is one way we’re making it easier for you to get the care you need. Remember to ask your primary care provider if you have questions. You also can get medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week from registered nurses by calling the MHS Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE, option 1.”
 
It’s important to note that contraception serves several purposes:
  • Preventing pregnancy
  • Supporting family planning
  • Controlling menstrual cycles
  • Treating menstrual-related conditions
 
Here are answers to common questions about TRICARE’s coverage of contraceptive care and services.
 
Which types of contraceptive services no longer require cost-shares or copayments?
You no longer have to pay cost-shares or copayments for all TRICARE-covered reversible medical contraceptives. These include IUDs, hormonal shots, and slow-release hormonal rods, which go under the skin.
 
This change went into effect July 28. What do you do if you paid for services on or after July 28? You can submit a claim to your TRICARE contractor after Nov. 1 to receive reimbursement.
 
You should contact your TRICARE contractor if you have questions about cost-shares and copayments. You can also review costs details on the TRICARE Costs page.
 
Does TRICARE cover permanent birth control methods?
Starting Jan. 1, 2023, TRICARE will eliminate copayments and cost-shares for anyone who has TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select and choose a permanent birth control method, such as tubal ligation. (Tubal ligation involves removing or sealing off the fallopian tubes.) It’s the only form of permanent contraception that TRICARE covers, and a TRICARE-authorized network provider must perform the procedure. Cost-sharing may still apply for tubal ligations performed out-of-network. Cost-sharing for vasectomies and hysterectomies will still apply.
 
Does TRICARE cover emergency contraceptives?
Yes. TRICARE covers non-prescription emergency birth control to prevent pregnancy. (The morning-after pill is a common name for it.) You can get products such as Plan B One-Step at many retailers at no cost. This includes military pharmacies and retail network pharmacies. They don’t require a prescription.
 
In addition, ella, is an emergency contraception also covered by TRICARE that requires a prescription. Ella can be more effective than Plan B when you take it within five days of unprotected sex. Ella is also available at no cost at military pharmacies and retail network pharmacies with a prescription.
 
What contraceptive services does TRICARE cover?
TRICARE covers a complete range of contraceptive services. TRICARE-covered birth control methods include:  
Keep in mind, you must see a TRICARE-authorized provider for TRICARE to cover these services.
 
What contraceptive services doesn’t TRICARE cover?
TRICARE doesn’t cover:
  • Condoms
  • Nonprescription spermicidal foams, jellies, or sprays
  • Reversal of permanent contraception, unless medically necessary
 
To learn more about what is or isn’t covered, review the contraception chart on the TRICARE website.
 
Does TRICARE cover daily use prescription birth control pills and other drugs?
Yes. However, the Defense Health Agency can’t currently waive cost-shares and copayments for daily use prescription birth control pills and other drugs. This is because TRICARE Pharmacy Program cost-sharing is mandated by law. You may have to pay a copayment for pharmacy contraceptives—like birth control pills and patches—depending on your health plan and where you fill your prescription.
 
TRICARE covers prescriptions filled at a pharmacy, consistent with other prescriptions from TRICARE:  
“Contraceptive choices are highly personal,” said Julian. “What’s right for you may not be what’s right for someone else, and your needs may change over time. The Defense Health Agency encourages you to participate fully in your own care.”
 
Talk to your doctor or primary care manager about the types of birth control that’s right for you. If you need to find a doctor, you can use the Find a Doctor tool. Your TRICARE contractor can also help you find a network provider.
 
Know your options for contraceptive care and how you can access that care, today and in the future. To learn more about services available to you, go to TRICARE’s Birth Control Covered Services page.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Service member presses down on another service member's arm while lying on a medical table.

National Guard or Reserve? Learn What To Do if Y...

News
Sep. 25, 2025

Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserve? If so, it’s important to know how TRICARE covers you if you...
Read More
DHA logo and Unlock Your Health logo; Medical professional in scrubs shows man in wheelchair papers on a clipboard.

Learn How TRICARE Can Help You Manage Chronic He...

News
Sep. 23, 2025

Living with a chronic health condition can feel hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. TRICARE offers...
Read More
Woman in a dentist's chair holds a mirror and looks at her teeth.

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

News
Sep. 19, 2025

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you crack a tooth or have severe mouth pain,...
Read More
Young boy smiles and hugs mother

Unlock Your Health: How TRICARE Can Support Your...

News
Sep. 18, 2025

Childhood and teen years can be full of ups and downs. It’s normal for kids to be sad or irritable or to have...
Read More
Dental care provider wearing gloves performs dental procedure on patient in dental chair.

Opioids, Pain Management, and Your Oral Health

News
Sep. 17, 2025

If you’ve had certain dental procedures, like wisdom teeth removal, a root canal, or oral surgery, some...
Read More
Woman wearing dental bib opens her mouth as a dentist uses dental equipment.

The Power of Prevention: Using the TRICARE Denta...

News
Sep. 16, 2025

When it comes to your oral health, a little prevention goes a long way. That’s why the TRICARE Dental Program...
Read More
Unlock Your Health graphic, DHA logo, elderly woman and medical care worker sit together on a couch

Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Home Health Care...

News
Sep. 16, 2025

Is leaving home for care a challenge? TRICARE covers solutions that make it easier to get the care—and...
Read More
Service member smiles with arms crossed in an office.

Explore Available Counseling and Mental Health S...

News
Sep. 10, 2025

Are you a service member, family member, or survivor? Your TRICARE benefit covers a variety of mental health...
Read More

Sept. 25, 2025

National Guard or Reserve? Learn What To Do if You Need Line of Duty Care

Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserve? If so, it’s important to know how TRICARE covers you if you become sick or are injured while activated for 30 days or less. This article explores how, where, and under what circumstances National Guard and Reserve members can get line of duty care.

Sept. 23, 2025

Learn How TRICARE Can Help You Manage Chronic Health Conditions

Living with a chronic health condition can feel hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. TRICARE offers programs and coverage to help you live better with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.

Sept. 19, 2025

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you crack a tooth or have severe mouth pain, knowing what to do can save your smile and reduce damage.

Sept. 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How TRICARE Can Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Childhood and teen years can be full of ups and downs. It’s normal for kids to be sad or irritable or to have trouble paying attention or interacting with others at times. But sometimes, these feelings and behaviors are signs that your child could need mental health care. Learn how TRICARE can support your child’s mental health and find tips and resources for supporting your child’s well-being.

Sept. 17, 2025

Opioids, Pain Management, and Your Oral Health

If you’ve had certain dental procedures, like wisdom teeth removal, a root canal, or oral surgery, some dentists may prescribe an opioid painkiller to help manage your pain. While your comfort is a priority, it’s important to also understand any potential negative side effects posed by opioids and the importance of using opioids responsibly.

Sept. 16, 2025

The Power of Prevention: Using the TRICARE Dental Program Benefit To Save You Money

When it comes to your oral health, a little prevention goes a long way. That’s why the TRICARE Dental Program covers two routine dental cleanings and examinations each year.

Sept. 16, 2025

Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Home Health Care and Pharmacy Home Delivery

Is leaving home for care a challenge? TRICARE covers solutions that make it easier to get the care—and drugs—you may need. Your TRICARE plan may cover certain in-home health services and pharmacy home delivery options. This gives you flexibility and convenience in your care.

Sept. 10, 2025

Explore Available Counseling and Mental Health Services

Are you a service member, family member, or survivor? Your TRICARE benefit covers a variety of mental health services. But did you know there are other counseling services available to you? This article explores what services you can access if you need support.

Sept. 9, 2025

Live in the West Region? Learn if You Need To Take Action on Your Referrals Before Oct. 1

Are you a TRICARE Prime beneficiary living in the West Region? Are you currently using a referral to get specialty care? If you used the West Region referral approval waiver to see a specialist between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025 and need to continue seeing that specialist, you’ll need to get a new referral to a network specialist before Oct. 1, 2025. If you’re still using a valid referral issued by a previous contractor before Jan. 1, 2025, you also need to get a new referral for any care received starting Oct. 1.

Sept. 8, 2025

Q&A: TRICARE For Life Coverage of Weight Loss Medications

The Defense Health Agency recently announced it will implement existing regulatory controls regarding TRICARE coverage of weight loss medications, including Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs, to ensure prescription processing aligns with federal coverage requirements.