Tricare to hike costs of drugs next year

Prescription drug costs will soon rise by as much as 42 percent for military health insurance users, according to Military.com.

Starting Jan. 1, Tricare drug costs will increase due to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which requires price raises annually until at least 2027. The act aims to bring the amount users pay closer to the actual cost of prescription drugs, which have skyrocketed in recent years.

Before the act was passed, price increases were rare for Tricare drugs.

A 90-day supply of generic drugs ordered through Tricare's Express Scripts mail-order pharmacy will go up from $7 to $10. Copays for brand-name drugs will increase from $24 to $29. Non-formulary drugs ordered through the mail will increase from $53 to $60.

To get a 30-day supply of generic drugs at a retail pharmacy will cost $13, up from $11. Brand-name drugs will go up from $28 to $33 and non-formulary drugs will go from $53 to $60.

Prescriptions filled on the base will still be free, according to Military.com.

Drug prices at out-of-network pharmacies will also go up, though active-duty troops will be reimbursed for any out-of-network pharmacy fees.

Read the full article here.

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