How the TRICARE pharmacy benefit works with Medicare
TRICARE For Life covers TRICARE-eligible people who have Medicare Part A and Part B, and TRICARE says TFL includes prescription drug coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. You can fill prescriptions in three ways:
| Option | What TRICARE says |
|---|---|
| Military pharmacy (on base) | Up to a 90-day supply of most medications at no cost; most accept civilian prescriptions |
| TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery | Up to a 90-day supply by mail for one copayment |
| Retail network pharmacy | Up to a 30-day supply per copayment |
TRICARE's handbook says non-formulary drugs generally aren't available at military pharmacies. TRICARE's formulary search tool at tricare.mil shows how a specific drug is covered.
Florida bases
Florida's military hospitals are Naval Hospital Jacksonville at NAS Jacksonville and the 96th Medical Group hospital at Eglin AFB. Military clinics serve MacDill AFB in Tampa, Tyndall AFB near Panama City, Patrick Space Force Base, Hurlburt Field and NAS Pensacola, and Naval Hospital Jacksonville runs branch health clinics at Naval Station Mayport and NAS Key West. Each base has its own TRICARE website (for example, macdill.tricare.mil or jacksonville.tricare.mil) with pharmacy details.
- Call before you go. Military pharmacies at several Florida bases fill prescriptions for retirees, but services, hours and stocked drugs change, and some bases limit what they offer. Ask whether the pharmacy fills prescriptions for TFL beneficiaries and whether it carries your drug.
- Medical care on base is different. TRICARE says TFL beneficiaries can get care at military hospitals and clinics only if space is available, so your doctors will usually be civilian Medicare providers. Their prescriptions can still be filled at a military pharmacy.
Weight-loss drugs: TRICARE says its pharmacy benefit hasn't covered weight-loss drugs for TFL beneficiaries since August 31, 2025, and that Medicare Part D covers certain weight-loss drugs under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program from July 1, 2026. See does Medicare cover weight-loss drugs?
Before a storm
A hurricane can close a base pharmacy for days. Home delivery or a retail network pharmacy can be a backup when you evacuate. See hurricanes and Medicare in Florida.
Should you add Part D?
Medicare's drug coverage guide says that for most people with TRICARE, unless they qualify for Extra Help, it isn't cost-effective to get Medicare drug coverage. If you join a Part D plan anyway, the Part D plan pays first and TRICARE pays second. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, you get prescriptions through that plan, which pays first. More in Part D in Florida; you can also request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Does TRICARE For Life work with Medicare?
Medicare first, TFL second.
Can I use VA and Medicare together?
Who pays for what, visit by visit.
Do I need Part B with VA care?
Why VA encourages it, and the penalty.
Sources
- TRICARE — TRICARE For Life
- TRICARE — TRICARE For Life Handbook
- TRICARE — TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook
- TRICARE — If I have Medicare and TRICARE, do I need Medicare Part D?
- Naval Hospital Jacksonville — Clinics
- CMS — Your Guide to Medicare Drug Coverage (Product No. 11109, June 2026)
- CMS — Hospital General Information (military hospitals in Florida)
More questions in this guide
- Do I need Medicare Part B if I have VA health care in Florida?
- Does TRICARE For Life work with Medicare in Florida?
- Can I use VA and Medicare together in Florida?
Part of the guide: Military retirees, veterans and TRICARE in Florida: how Medicare fits · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Part D if I use a military pharmacy?
Generally no. TRICARE says TFL includes drug coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. Part D is optional, and TRICARE coverage is creditable, so you can join later without a penalty if you join within 63 days of losing it.
Can a civilian doctor's prescription be filled on base?
TRICARE says most military pharmacies accept prescriptions from civilian and military providers, even if you aren't enrolled at that hospital or clinic. Confirm with the base pharmacy first.
What if I drop Part B?
If you're eligible for premium-free Part A, TRICARE says that without Part B you lose TRICARE coverage except prescriptions filled at a military pharmacy, and Part B's late penalty applies if you re-enroll.
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