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 | March 4, 2021

How to Turn on Automatic Refills for Your TRICARE Home Delivery Prescriptions

By TRICARE Communications

Are you looking to get the most out of your TRICARE pharmacy benefit? Make sure you take some time to check out the TRICARE pharmacy automatic refill program. With automatic refills, you won’t have to remind yourself to refill your prescription. Before you run out of medication, Express Scripts will refill and ship your prescription to you for up to a 90-day supply, over the course of a prescription written for a 1-year supply.
 
“With COVID-19 still a concern, we want beneficiaries to be aware of their options for filling prescriptions,” said Henry Gibbs, acting chief of the Purchased Care Branch, Pharmacy Operations Division at the Defense Health Agency. “Automatic refills through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery helps to make sure you have enough medication on hand to take as instructed by your doctor. It’s safe, easy to use, and may save you money.”
 
Here are some details about automatic refills and how you can take advantage of this benefit.
 
How do I know if my prescription is eligible?
Many common maintenance medications that you may take for long-term therapy, like blood pressure medicine, are eligible for automatic refills. If your medication is eligible, you’ll see the “start automatic refills” option next to it when logged into your account.
 
To see if your medication is available through home delivery, use the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool. If you have questions, you can visit the Express Scripts website or call them at 1-877-363-1303.
 
How do I set up automatic refills for prescriptions?
To get started, simply login to the Express Scripts® mobile app or your online account. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one online. Once you’ve signed in, click on the “manage prescriptions” tab and then select an eligible prescription you would like to enroll. Eligible medications will have the “start automatic refills” option next to them. After you enroll your prescription, make sure you choose your preferred method of communication (phone call, email, or text message) to get alerts about your automatic refill orders.
 
Keep in mind, not all medications are eligible for the automatic refill program. And this service is only available through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. Some limits on home delivery may apply overseas.
 
How can I continue to get my medication if I’m almost out of refills?
When you’re on your last refill, Express Scripts will contact you by your preferred method of communication to make sure you’re still taking your medication. You’ll then have 10 days to respond that:
  • You’re still taking the medication
  • You want Express Scripts to renew your prescription
  • You want to continue to get your medication through automatic refills
 
After your response to continue is received, Express Scripts will contact your doctor to renew your prescription. If Express Scripts isn’t able to get in touch with your doctor, they’ll let you know. You may need to reach out to your doctor to continue on your medication. This consent step is required once your prescription expires to ensure you’re still taking the medication and continue to receive refills automatically. Keep in mind, your doctor may ask to see you before renewing your prescription. Once your order ships, the payment method you have on file will be charged for your pharmacy copayment.
 
Can I change or cancel an automatic refill order?
Yes. Express Scripts will contact you via your preferred communication method before every automatic refill to tell you they’re getting ready to start working on your order. This gives you time to change the date or cancel the prescription if you no longer need your medication. You can track your order through the Express Scripts® mobile app while it’s processed and shipped.
 
As you sign up for automatic refills, don’t forget to explore other pharmacy tools available online and through the app. You can set up daily, weekly, or monthly alerts to remind you to take your medication. You can also switch prescriptions you have at a military or retail network pharmacy to home delivery. Got questions about prescription costs? Visit TRICARE Pharmacy or download the TRICARE Costs and Fees Sheet.
 
Take command of your health and sign up for automatic refills to make it easier to get your medications delivered to you.
Woman meditating
A game plan for when stress affects your oral he...
News
Aug. 28, 2026

In many ways, experiencing feelings of stress is a part of our everyday lives. Life in the military community...
Read More
Woman and a child brushing their teeth
What your bad breath could be telling you about ...
News
Aug. 28, 2026

Occasional bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a temporary problem, often caused by certain smelly...
Read More
"Patients needed on Sept. 15, 2026 for a focus group discussion about lower back pain. Sign up deadline is Sept. 8, 2026.
Provide feedback on clinical practice guidelines...
News
Aug. 27, 2026

Are you living with lower back pain? The Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration would like...
Read More
Woman in a brown coat and jeans sits next to her luggage while holding a passport
Know the differences in how TRICARE works in the...
News
Aug. 25, 2026

TRICARE has you covered worldwide. Understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health...
Read More
Dentist shows a patient a dental model while the patient sits in the dentist's chair
TRICARE Dental Program orthodontic coverage: Wha...
News
Aug. 20, 2026

Do you or your child need braces? You should know that the TRICARE Dental Program covers orthodontic care...
Read More
Man and woman in blue shirts smile at each other while standing in a park
TRICARE, Medicare, and Social Security: how your...
News
Aug. 19, 2026

Many service members and their families don’t realize that Social Security taxes deducted from each paycheck...
Read More
Service member smiles in front of pharmacy shelves
Know your TRICARE pharmacy options and learn whe...
News
Aug. 18, 2026

Are you looking for other ways to get your prescriptions that better fit your pharmacy needs? You’re in luck!...
Read More
Picture of a canal lined by old buildings.
Traveling overseas? Here’s how TRICARE travels w...
News
Aug. 13, 2026

Do you have an upcoming trip overseas? Whether you’re traveling for work or for fun, TRICARE covers you...
Read More

Aug. 28, 2026

A game plan for when stress affects your oral health

In many ways, experiencing feelings of stress is a part of our everyday lives. Life in the military community often comes with its own unique stressors. While we often associate stress with mental and emotional well-being, stress also affects your entire body, including your oral health.

Aug. 28, 2026

What your bad breath could be telling you about your oral health

Occasional bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a temporary problem, often caused by certain smelly foods like garlic or onions. However, persistent bad breath can be a red flag, signaling oral health issues that require attention from a dentist or medical professional.

Aug. 27, 2026

Provide feedback on clinical practice guidelines in joint patient focus groups: lower back pain on Sept. 15

Are you living with lower back pain? The Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration would like to hear about your treatment experience. Together, they’re hosting a virtual focus group on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. ET. This focus group offers patients the opportunity to provide your perspective on your treatment journey in the Military Health System. It’s open to active duty service members and veterans.

Aug. 25, 2026

Know the differences in how TRICARE works in the U.S. vs. overseas

TRICARE has you covered worldwide. Understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might come up. This article explains how TRICARE works differently in the U.S. and overseas.

Aug. 20, 2026

TRICARE Dental Program orthodontic coverage: What to know before you start getting care

Do you or your child need braces? You should know that the TRICARE Dental Program covers orthodontic care. Keep reading to learn who qualifies, what’s covered, and how costs work.

Aug. 19, 2026

TRICARE, Medicare, and Social Security: how your entitlements work together

Many service members and their families don’t realize that Social Security taxes deducted from each paycheck help build a foundation for future financial security. You’ve been paying into Social Security, so keeping tabs on your information is key. By setting up a my Social Security account, you can see what you’ve earned, and how it all fits together.

Aug. 18, 2026

Know your TRICARE pharmacy options and learn where you can fill prescriptions

Are you looking for other ways to get your prescriptions that better fit your pharmacy needs? You’re in luck! When it comes to your prescriptions, the TRICARE Pharmacy Program gives you several options on how to fill them. Before filling your prescriptions, you can check the TRICARE Formulary to see if your prescription is covered.

Aug. 13, 2026

Traveling overseas? Here’s how TRICARE travels with you

Do you have an upcoming trip overseas? Whether you’re traveling for work or for fun, TRICARE covers you worldwide. Understanding how your TRICARE plan works when you go abroad helps you be prepared if any health issues arise.

Aug. 11, 2026

TRICARE: More than a benefit—a trusted partner for military families

TRICARE is more than a health plan—it’s peace of mind for military families around the world. Watch this video to hear directly from TRICARE beneficiaries about what TRICARE means to them.

Aug. 6, 2026

Get to know how TRICARE covers your college student

Going to college is an exciting milestone for many young adults. From signing up for classes to buying dorm supplies, summer can be a busy time for new college students and their families. During this time, you’ll also need to make sure your child’s TRICARE coverage will be ready when the semester starts, especially if he or she is moving away from home.