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 | April 4, 2023

How to Approve Your TRICARE Home Delivery Prescription Refills

By TRICARE Communications

Are your prescriptions enrolled in the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery automatic refill program, administered by Express Scripts? If they are, did you know you must approve your refills before they’re sent to you? Not only is the process easy and convenient, but it will also help prevent excess prescription waste.
 
“The TRICARE Pharmacy Program streamlined the home delivery refill process, so you only get your medications when you need them,” said Marcy Opstal, a senior program analyst with the Defense Health Agency’s Pharmacy Operations Division. “Having patients approve their refills before they’re shipped also improves patient safety and reduces medication waste.”
 
Here’s a step-by-step guide to approving your prescription drug refills and using the automatic refill program.
 
How to approve your home delivery prescription refills
1. You receive a refill notification: When it’s time to refill your prescription, Express Scripts will contact you by your preferred method of communication—email, phone call, or text—to approve your refill.
 
When it comes to approving and communicating about your refills, you have a few options. Texting may be the easiest and fastest way to approve your refills. To choose texting—or to change the way you’re currently approving your refills—log in to your Express Scripts account. Once you’re in your account, you can make a new communication choice.
 
2. You confirm or decline your refill: You’ll confirm that you want your next refill. You can do this by signing in to your account or through the Express Scripts mobile app. If you don’t confirm or decline your prescription refill, your prescription will no longer be in the automatic refill program. Keep in mind that even if your prescription is no longer in the program, you’ll continue to receive reminders until your prescription expires. You still can order refills via your online account or the mobile app. And you can opt back into the program at any time.
 
3. Your refill ships: After you approve your refill, Express Scripts will process your prescription. You can track your order via text, email, phone call, or the Express Scripts mobile app.
 
Have home delivery but not signed up for refills? First, log in to your Express Scripts account to check if your prescription is eligible. If it is, then you can choose to start refills through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. You can also choose which communication method to receive refill alerts and other notices. Note that you’ll still have to approve your prescriptions when it’s time to refill them. Read How to Turn on Automatic Refills for Your TRICARE Home Delivery Prescriptions to learn more.
 
Reducing prescription waste
By approving your refill beforehand, you’ll help reduce prescription waste. This is important. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) estimates that in the United States, approximately 107,622 people died as the result of a drug poisoning in 2021. When you clear out medications you don’t want or need, you help prevent children and others from accessing them.
 
To see if your military hospital or clinic has a medication disposal program, go to Safely Dispose of Drugs. You can also visit the DEA Collection Site Locator to find a drug take back location near you.
 
Remember you must approve your home delivery prescription drug refills before they can be shipped. For other details about your pharmacy benefit and ways to help you manage your prescriptions, be sure to refer to the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Overview Fact Sheet or TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook. To check your copayments, go to TRICARE Pharmacy. If you have questions, you can reach out to Express Scripts.
 
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. 
 
Uniformed Sailor wearing glasses gives shot to another Sailor sitting down.

Learn How To Get Your TRICARE Vaccines Overseas

News
Aug. 28, 2024

Flu season is right around the corner—which means it’s time to start thinking about getting vaccines for...
Read More
Uniformed service member stands in pharmacy and reaches for to high shelf for box of medication.

Your Guide to TRICARE Pharmacy Program Terms

News
Aug. 22, 2024

Do you have a new prescription you need to fill? Or maybe you’ve been taking the same drug for years. Knowing...
Read More
Two hands search through manila folders in file cabinet.

TRICARE How-To: Filing Claims and Reimbursements

News
Aug. 20, 2024

Have you ever had to get care while traveling? Or maybe you’ve had to visit a non-network TRICARE-authorized...
Read More
Graphic of moving boxes filled with picture frames and books. Text reads, "TRICARE Webinar: Moving, Marriage, and More: What TRICARE QLEs Mean for You. Aug. 22, 2024, 3 to 4 p.m. ET"

Learn About TRICARE Qualifying Life Events at Au...

News
Aug. 15, 2024

Join TRICARE Thursday, Aug. 22, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET for the “Moving, Marriage, and More: What TRICARE QLEs...
Read More
Uniformed service member stands outside and holds infant in his arms.

Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Tips for Managin...

News
Aug. 13, 2024

When was the last time you checked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting...
Read More
Provider wearing white lab coat flips through papers with charts on clipboard.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule and Military Health Care:...

News
Aug. 06, 2024

Are you the parent or legal sponsor of a minor child? If so, there are things you should know about what...
Read More
Woman wearing white sweater stands outside and looks at smartphone.

TRICARE Fraud Alert: TRICARE For Life Phishing Scam

News
Aug. 06, 2024

If you’ve recently gotten a suspicious text message about your TRICARE coverage, don’t respond. Instead,...
Read More
An airman holds a smiling young girl.

TRICARE Coverage for Your Children: What You Nee...

News
Aug. 01, 2024

Are you wondering if your child has TRICARE coverage? Most children of service members and retirees can get...
Read More

Aug. 28, 2024

Learn How To Get Your TRICARE Vaccines Overseas

Flu season is right around the corner—which means it’s time to start thinking about getting vaccines for common respiratory diseases. If you live or travel overseas, it’s important to know where you can get these vaccines.

Aug. 22, 2024

Your Guide to TRICARE Pharmacy Program Terms

Do you have a new prescription you need to fill? Or maybe you’ve been taking the same drug for years. Knowing these TRICARE Pharmacy Program terms can help you get the medications you need at the right price.  

Aug. 20, 2024

TRICARE How-To: Filing Claims and Reimbursements

Have you ever had to get care while traveling? Or maybe you’ve had to visit a non-network TRICARE-authorized provider who doesn’t “participate.” In these situations—and some others—you might need to file a claim with TRICARE to get reimbursed.

Aug. 15, 2024

Learn About TRICARE Qualifying Life Events at Aug. 22 Webinar

Join TRICARE Thursday, Aug. 22, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET for the “Moving, Marriage, and More: What TRICARE QLEs Mean for You” webinar.

Aug. 13, 2024

Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Tips for Managing Your DEERS Record

When was the last time you checked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is up to date? If it’s been a while, take time to log in to DEERS and review your information.

Aug. 6, 2024

The HIPAA Privacy Rule and Military Health Care: What Parents of Minors Need To Know

Are you the parent or legal sponsor of a minor child? If so, there are things you should know about what access you have to your child’s health care records and choices. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Final Rule protects minors’ privacy concerning their health care choices and treatment.

Aug. 6, 2024

TRICARE Fraud Alert: TRICARE For Life Phishing Scam

If you’ve recently gotten a suspicious text message about your TRICARE coverage, don’t respond. Instead, report it to TRICARE.

Aug. 1, 2024

TRICARE Coverage for Your Children: What You Need To Know

Are you wondering if your child has TRICARE coverage? Most children of service members and retirees can get TRICARE until they turn age 21 (or 23 if they’re in college).

July 30, 2024

Getting Telemedicine Care Overseas With TRICARE

Do you live overseas and need health care? You may be able to get telemedicine care from the comfort of your home.

July 25, 2024

Your TRICARE Guide to Overseas Travel

Planning a trip overseas? Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, it’s a good idea to know how your TRICARE plan works outside the United States.