An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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.

Emergency Procedures Due to Extreme Weather >>> Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn more  
News | June 16, 2022

Continuous Glucose Monitors Now Available as a TRICARE Pharmacy Benefit

By TRICARE Communications

If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you’re in luck. TRICARE Pharmacy Program now covers two brands of CGMs. These are the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 and the Dexcom G6. Previously, CGMs were only available as durable medical equipment (DME) under the TRICARE medical benefit. CGMs continue to be covered as a DME medical benefit, but they’re also now available as part of your pharmacy benefit.
 
“This change in expanded benefit coverage will improve access for patients to get the CGMs they need,” said Edward VonBerg, PharmD, chief of the Defense Health Agency’s Formulary Management Branch. “We aim to make TRICARE benefits as accessible and affordable as possible so beneficiaries feel good and can lead healthy, productive lives. Adding CGMs to the pharmacy benefit is an example of this.”
 
As a pharmacy benefit, CGMs are available through TRICARE retail network pharmacies and TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. As outlined in the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Overview, active duty service members pay nothing for covered prescriptions from:  
For all others, pharmacy costs are based on who you are, the prescription category, and where you fill your prescription.
 
You need pre-authorization to get either brand of CGM through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. This is true even if you’re already approved through the TRICARE medical benefit. To be pre-authorized, you must require daily insulin via a pump or multiple daily injections. Pharmacies dispense the devices in limited quantities, based on your provider’s written prescription.
 
If you choose to pick up your CGM at a network pharmacy or through home delivery, you’ll be charged for each component at the brand-name formulary drug rates.
 
Your TRICARE plan, which group you’re in (A or B), and pharmacy type determine whether you may have to meet your annual deductible before copayments or cost-shares apply. To learn more, use the TRICARE Compare Cost Tool.
 
Before you go to your pharmacy, you should first call to confirm availability of the CGM you need. Some facilities may stock one, both, and none of the devices. When you pick up your CGM, be sure to take the prescription from your health care provider with you.
 
If you choose home delivery for the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 reader, you must order the reader through the Department of Defense Abbott Labs FreeStyle Libre Program, which is a free service. For information, call 904-638-5519. You can also get the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 reader at a network pharmacy.
 
You can order Dexcom G6 components through home delivery. Dexcom G6 devices are also available for pick up at network pharmacies.
 
Keep in mind that both products have free smartphone applications you can use instead of the devices’ readers.
 
Remember that you can still get your CGM as DME through the TRICARE medical benefit. It depends on how your provider writes your prescription. Your TRICARE health plan will determine your fees. If you have coverage through US Family Health Plan (USFHP), you aren’t eligible for the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. You must use USFHP pharmacy providers.
 
If you have questions about TRICARE covered services or costs, you can refer to the TRICARE website. You can also reach out to your regional contractor or the pharmacy contractor.
 
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.
Man receives a vaccine.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Get Your F...

News
Oct. 17, 2024

The fall and winter months bring an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and...
Read More
Three women smiling at the camera

Unlock Your Health by Scheduling a TRICARE Well-...

News
Oct. 16, 2024

With TRICARE, you have access to a wide range of preventive care specific to your needs. For women, this...
Read More
Woman sits at table looking at laptop with smartphone next to her.

Live in the West Region? Update Your TRICARE Pay...

News
Oct. 10, 2024

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states (Arkansas, Illinois,...
Read More
Uniformed service member smiles with his wife and toddler as they pose for a selfie.

Learn How Referrals and Specialty Care Will Work...

News
Oct. 08, 2024

Health care delivery under new TRICARE contracts starts on Jan. 1, 2025. These new contracts will improve...
Read More
Official DOD Seal on white background

DOD Announces Health Care Supplement Program Pil...

News
Oct. 07, 2024

The Department of Defense (DOD) today announced a one-year pilot program to provide no-cost supplemental...
Read More
Nurse holds infant in onesie in her arm.

2025 Changes to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breas...

News
Oct. 03, 2024

Are you expecting a baby in 2025? Have you considered getting breastfeeding counseling or support from a labor...
Read More
Doctor wearing white coat sits on a couch next to an elderly patient and shows her a clipboard.

Unlock Your Health by Understanding How TRICARE ...

News
Oct. 01, 2024

Are you approaching Medicare eligibility? Unlock your health by understanding how TRICARE For Life works with...
Read More
Woman lies in dental chair with eyes closed and has teeth examined.

Finding the Right TRICARE Dental Program Dentist...

News
Sep. 26, 2024

Relocating can be an exciting, but stressful, time. Worrying about your family’s dental needs shouldn’t be...
Read More

Oct. 17, 2024

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Get Your Flu Shot With TRICARE

The fall and winter months bring an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Getting your flu shot is an easy way to help ward off illness. The vaccine lowers your chance of getting sick, going to the hospital, or even dying from the flu.

Oct. 16, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Scheduling a TRICARE Well-Woman Exam

With TRICARE, you have access to a wide range of preventive care specific to your needs. For women, this includes comprehensive services like an annual well-woman exam.

Oct. 10, 2024

Live in the West Region? Update Your TRICARE Payment Information With TriWest

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states (Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin) moving to the West Region in 2025? If you pay for your TRICARE coverage via credit card or bank electronic funds transfer, you can now securely give your recurring payment information to the incoming West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

Oct. 8, 2024

Learn How Referrals and Specialty Care Will Work as New TRICARE Contracts Start in 2025

Health care delivery under new TRICARE contracts starts on Jan. 1, 2025. These new contracts will improve quality and access for beneficiaries in the United States by enhancing referral management and access to specialty care. Learn more about what to expect starting Jan. 1.

Oct. 7, 2024

DOD Announces Health Care Supplement Program Pilot for DOD Civilian Employees in Japan

The Department of Defense (DOD) today announced a one-year pilot program to provide no-cost supplemental health support services to DOD civilian employees serving in Japan after a yearlong effort to identify and address concerns regarding access to medical care.

Oct. 3, 2024

2025 Changes to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration

Are you expecting a baby in 2025? Have you considered getting breastfeeding counseling or support from a labor doula? If so, you should know about some changes coming to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration on Jan. 1, 2025, including expansion overseas.

Oct. 1, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Understanding How TRICARE For Life Works With Medicare

Are you approaching Medicare eligibility? Unlock your health by understanding how TRICARE For Life works with Medicare and plan your coverage effectively, while avoiding out-of-pocket costs.

Sept. 26, 2024

Finding the Right TRICARE Dental Program Dentist After Moving

Relocating can be an exciting, but stressful, time. Worrying about your family’s dental needs shouldn’t be part of that stress. Here’s a guide to help you find a dentist and understand the advantages of choosing a network provider with the TDP.

Sept. 24, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Knowing When To Get Emergency Care vs. Urgent Care

Both emergency rooms and urgent care clinics can help you with a medical issue. But they’re different and serve your needs in different ways. When you or a family member needs medical care quickly, it’s important to know the difference between the two.

Sept. 19, 2024

Stay In the Know With TRICARE Newsletters

Did you know that TRICARE publishes quarterly newsletters? The TRICARE Health Matters Newsletter and the TRICARE Dental Program Health Matters Newsletter offer helpful information about your health and dental plans, as well as the latest TRICARE news.