FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353

October 21, 2020 

Cotton, Boozman Express Concern Over Tricare Prescription Fulfillment

 

Washington, D.C.  Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to the Defense Health Agency expressing concern over current policy that requires Tricare beneficiaries to fill certain prescriptions through Express Scripts with no option to use local pharmacies. 

 

“We applaud Tricare’s use of retail pharmacies by allowing beneficiaries to obtain vaccinations and other services at their local pharmacy. As you know in addition to dispensing medications and vaccines, local community pharmacists provide many valued and cost-saving services. Examples include: medication adherence services, access to health tests, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Local and community pharmacies are considered healthcare providers to our veterans and service members living in rural areas,” the Senators write.

 

The letter requests the Defense Health Agency answer the following questions.

  • How is DHA monitoring the delivery of medication from mail-in pharmacies to beneficiaries to ensure it arrives in a timely manner?  
  • How is DHA monitoring the availability of prescription medications and alerting beneficiaries that their prescription drug is in short supply?  
  • One benefit of using local and community pharmacies to fill prescription medications is the support these pharmacies offer by answering questions regarding dosage, side effects, and other concerns of the beneficiary. How is DHA ensuring that beneficiaries receive equivalent support from mail-in pharmacies? 
  • Is there a course of action beneficiaries can pursue if they are unsatisfied with the delivery or availability of medication or support from the mail-in pharmacies?  

 

Click here for the full text of the letter.

 

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