Cvs And Tricare: Insurance Coverage

CVS Health officially joined the TRICARE retail pharmacy network in December 2021. CVS now accepts TRICARE, which is the official healthcare program of the U.S. DoD. This means that CVS offers prescriptions, pharmacist advice, vaccines, and more to those with existing TRICARE coverage. However, as of December 1, 2022, CVS left the Tricare pharmacy network, meaning that all prescriptions filled at a CVS store after that date are considered non-network prescriptions.

CVS accepts Tricare insurance

CVS now accepts Tricare insurance, a healthcare program for the US Department of Defense. This means that Tricare beneficiaries can use their existing coverage for prescriptions, pharmacist advice, and vaccines at CVS. CVS MinuteClinic, an on-demand, walk-in healthcare option available seven days a week, also accepts Tricare. This is especially convenient for military families who are always on the go.

CVS officially joined the Tricare retail pharmacy network in December 2021. Since then, many independent pharmacies and other retailers have left the network, but CVS remains in-network. This means that Tricare beneficiaries can continue to get their covered scripts filled at their local CVS pharmacy. To do so, beneficiaries simply need to show their insurance card to the pharmacist when dropping off a prescription or upload a picture of it on the CVS app. If there are any issues with prescription coverage, the pharmacist will contact the beneficiary immediately.

Tricare beneficiaries can also visit their local CVS website to make an appointment for a COVID vaccine online for free. CVS also offers kids' COVID vaccines for free for enrolled dependents, as well as flu vaccines covered by Tricare.

While services for glasses and contacts through CVS are not covered by Tricare, the CVS app offers deals on glasses and contacts that can save beneficiaries money. The CVS app can also help beneficiaries manage their prescriptions, get instant refills, schedule vaccines, and get their medications delivered if they are in a delivery location.

MinuteClinic program

CVS now accepts TRICARE insurance, offering a range of benefits to military personnel, veterans, and their families. This includes the MinuteClinic® program, which provides easy access to healthcare services for minor illnesses, injuries, screenings, and other services.

MinuteClinic® is a walk-in clinic service with over 1,000 locations across the nation, offering treatment for a wide range of minor health issues. The clinics are open seven days a week, including nights and weekends, providing convenient access to healthcare.

The program offers treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, such as bug bites, splinters, pink eye, and ear infections. It also provides services for minor skin conditions like acne, poison ivy, and ringworm. In addition, MinuteClinic® offers pre-travel consultations, helping patients prevent and treat travel-related illnesses like malaria and typhoid.

The MinuteClinic® program also provides women's services, including pelvic exams, yeast infection treatment, and UTI treatment, eliminating the need for a trip to a general practitioner or OB/GYN.

Additionally, MinuteClinic® offers a range of vaccinations, including COVID-19, shingles, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).

The program is staffed by certified family nurse practitioners and physician associates who provide care, prescribe medication when appropriate, and administer vaccinations and physicals.

With its wide range of services, convenient locations, and accessibility, the MinuteClinic® program through CVS's acceptance of TRICARE insurance offers a valuable healthcare option for military and veteran communities.

CVS Pharmacy and Tricare Pharmacy Benefits

CVS Pharmacy officially joined the TRICARE retail pharmacy network in December 2021. TRICARE is the official healthcare program of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), providing coverage to 9.4 million beneficiaries worldwide. CVS now accepts TRICARE, offering prescriptions, pharmacist advice, vaccines, and more to military and veteran communities.

TRICARE pharmacy options at CVS will not differ widely from those offered by standard insurance. This includes filling prescriptions, receiving pharmacist advice, and accessing vaccines. In addition, many CVS stores have become official COVID vaccination sites, offering eligible TRICARE beneficiaries free COVID and flu vaccines.

Services for glasses and contacts through CVS are not covered under TRICARE. However, the CVS app offers deals on glasses and contacts, allowing users to save money even when paying out of pocket.

Using the CVS App

The CVS app provides easy access to prescriptions, instant refills, vaccine scheduling, and medication delivery (in select locations). Users can upload their TRICARE insurance card to the app to stay informed about their coverage options and manage their prescriptions.

Transferring Prescriptions to CVS

Transferring existing prescriptions to CVS is a simple process that can be done in three easy steps. Prescriptions can be transferred online or with the help of a pharmacist at a CVS location.

Network Pharmacies

It is important to note that TRICARE beneficiaries can also visit TRICARE retail network pharmacies, with over 41,000 locations in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. However, as of December 1, 2023, CVS will no longer be considered an "in-network" pharmacy for TRICARE, and prescriptions filled at CVS will be considered non-network prescriptions. This means that beneficiaries will have to pay the full cost of their medication upfront and file a claim for partial reimbursement.

Vaccines and Tricare

CVS now accepts TRICARE insurance, making healthcare more accessible to the military and veteran community. This includes vaccine coverage, which is a crucial aspect of maintaining health and preventing diseases.

TRICARE covers medically necessary services, and vaccines are a significant part of their offering. The specific vaccines covered by TRICARE include the flu, hepatitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), shingles, chickenpox, and others. These vaccines are available at no cost to eligible beneficiaries at participating network pharmacies. This means that individuals can protect themselves against various diseases without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.

To receive a vaccine, eligible individuals can visit a participating network pharmacy. There are over 41,000 locations in the U.S. and U.S. Territories, making it convenient for beneficiaries to access their vaccinations. It is important to call the pharmacy beforehand to confirm the availability of the required vaccine and ensure a pharmacist will be present to administer it.

The availability of vaccines at CVS through TRICARE insurance is particularly beneficial for those who require age-appropriate immunizations. TRICARE follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) age and frequency recommendations for immunizations. This ensures that individuals of all ages, from children to adults, can receive the vaccinations they need to stay healthy.

Additionally, TRICARE provides coverage for active-duty family members who accompany the service member overseas during a permanent change of station. This comprehensive approach to vaccine coverage ensures that the military community and their families have access to essential immunizations, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Glasses and contacts

CVS now accepts TRICARE insurance, which is great news for the military and veteran community. TRICARE's vision coverage varies depending on the individual. Active-duty service members, for example, are entitled to a standard issue pair of frames and sunglasses, as well as one pair of glasses of their choice. They can visit the optometry clinic at their enrolled military hospital or clinic. Alternatively, they can order their glasses from the Navy Ophthalmic Readiness Activity.

Non-activated Guard/Reserve Members may be able to get coverage through FEDVIP. They should check their eligibility. The same applies to retired service members and family members.

TRICARE covers glasses and contacts to treat certain conditions for all other beneficiaries. This includes corneal or scleral lenses for treating keratoconus and retaining moisture when normal tearing is inadequate. It also includes corneal or scleral lenses to reduce corneal irregularities other than astigmatism. Intraocular lenses, contact lenses, or glasses are covered for loss of human lens function resulting from intraocular surgery, ocular injury, or congenital absence. "Pinhole" glasses prescribed for use after surgery for a detached retina are also covered by TRICARE.

Frequently asked questions