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.

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.
Surgeons wearing scrubs stand around machine in operating room.

DHA Hospitals Honored for Surgical Excellence

News
Nov. 27, 2024

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program has recognized three Defense...
Read More
Man works on a laptop

TRICARE Open Season: Understanding Who’s Eligible

News
Nov. 26, 2024

It’s that time of year again—TRICARE Open Season is here. Open season, which began Nov. 11, runs until Dec...
Read More
Someone received their new COVID-19 vaccine in their arm

Get Your Updated COVID-19 Shot With TRICARE

News
Nov. 25, 2024

The new 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is now available. Getting vaccinated helps protect not just you, but also...
Read More
Mother and child look at laptop

How To Schedule an Appointment Using the MHS GEN...

News
Nov. 21, 2024

Navigating your healthcare appointments at military hospitals and clinics is convenient with the MHS GENESIS...
Read More
Doctor checks a child's hearing

TRICARE Now Covers Hearing Aids for Children of ...

News
Nov. 20, 2024

TRICARE has recently expanded its hearing aid coverage to include eligible children of retired service...
Read More
Nationally Recognized Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A, Fall 2024.

Fifteen Military Hospitals Receive Leapfrog’s Hi...

News
Nov. 15, 2024

The Defense Health Agency announced 15 military hospitals got an “A” rating in Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade...
Read More
Family looks at a phone

TRICARE Open Season 2024 Begins: Learn if You Ne...

News
Nov. 11, 2024

Have you considered changing your family’s TRICARE health plan for 2025? Now is your opportunity: TRICARE Open...
Read More
Uniformed service member stands and smiles with wife and child, as toddler waves to the camera.

Check Out Your 2025 TRICARE Health Plan Costs

News
Nov. 07, 2024

With 2025 just around the corner, you may be starting to consider your family’s health needs for next year...
Read More

Nov. 27, 2024

DHA Hospitals Honored for Surgical Excellence

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program has recognized three Defense Health Agency hospitals for their outstanding surgical care.

Nov. 26, 2024

TRICARE Open Season: Understanding Who’s Eligible

It’s that time of year again—TRICARE Open Season is here. Open season, which began Nov. 11, runs until Dec. 10. During this period, most beneficiaries with TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select can make changes to their health plan for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Nov. 25, 2024

Get Your Updated COVID-19 Shot With TRICARE

The new 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is now available. Getting vaccinated helps protect not just you, but also your family members and fellow community members.

Nov. 21, 2024

How To Schedule an Appointment Using the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal

Navigating your healthcare appointments at military hospitals and clinics is convenient with the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal’s scheduling feature.

Nov. 20, 2024

TRICARE Now Covers Hearing Aids for Children of Military Retirees

TRICARE has recently expanded its hearing aid coverage to include eligible children of retired service members. This new coverage results from a new statute. It aims to improve access to life-changing medical technology and help eligible children of retired service members get the hearing aids they need.

Nov. 15, 2024

Fifteen Military Hospitals Receive Leapfrog’s Highest Safety Grade

The Defense Health Agency announced 15 military hospitals got an “A” rating in Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade fall 2024 assessment. This grade reflects the DHA’s ongoing dedication to transparency and to provide high-quality, safe care to service members and their families.

Nov. 11, 2024

TRICARE Open Season 2024 Begins: Learn if You Need To Take Action

Have you considered changing your family’s TRICARE health plan for 2025? Now is your opportunity: TRICARE Open Season starts Nov. 11 and runs through Dec. 10.

Nov. 7, 2024

Check Out Your 2025 TRICARE Health Plan Costs

With 2025 just around the corner, you may be starting to consider your family’s health needs for next year. There may be changes to your TRICARE health plan costs starting Jan. 1, 2025. Depending on your plan, these costs may include enrollment fees, premiums, cost-shares, and copayments.

Nov. 5, 2024

Your Comprehensive TRICARE Open Season Checklist: Prepare for Nov. 11

TRICARE Open Season is right around the corner. This year, it runs from Nov. 11 to Dec. 10. Follow this detailed checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Oct. 30, 2024

TRICARE Dental Program Premiums Decrease Effective Nov. 1

If you’re enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, your TDP monthly premiums will decrease for coverage effective Nov. 1. These new rates will remain in effect until Feb. 28, 2025.