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We supported that for FY 2014 and beyond, the new law increases copayments annually by only the same percentage as retiree COLAs. In years when a COLA increase would total less than a dollar, it will be delayed a year and combined with the next adjustment so increases always will be $1 or more.
TRICARE pharmacy copayments vary based on the class of drug and where beneficiaries choose to fill their prescriptions.
The copayment for generic medications stays at $5 when a prescription is filled at a network pharmacy. There is no copayment when generic prescriptions are filled through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (mail order).
The new copayment for a 30-day supply of a brand-name medication purchased at a retail network pharmacy is $17, up from $12. Beneficiaries using mail order now pay $13 for brand-name drugs, up from $9. But the mail-order price is for a 90-day supply.
The greatest change applies to non-formulary medications, which increased to $44 at retail pharmacies and $43 through mail order versus the previous $25.
Pharmacies at military hospitals and clinics continue to provide medications with no copayments.
MOAA has received numerous inquiries regarding the start-up of one of the other key 2013 legislative provisions — the mandatory home delivery of maintenance medications for TRICARE For Life beneficiaries.
This provision requires beneficiaries to receive certain maintenance medications for a trial period of a year (with the option to opt out after that period, if so desired).
In our discussions with TRICARE pharmacy leadership, we understand development of implementation and execution plans will take some time.
Our best forecast is the program will start in the summer or early fall of this year.
Stir Over New Warfare Medal
Precedence of new decoration causes concern.
In mid-February, defense leaders announced the creation of the new Distinguished Warfare Medal (DWM) to recognize the changing face of conflict in the 21st century.
The DWM recognizes the combat achievements of personnel who aren’t physically present on the battlefield but whose actions have a direct effect on combat success (drone operators, for example).
Modern technology enables service-members with special training and capabilities to more directly and precisely engage in military operations far from the battlefield.
The DWM will be awarded to service-members whose extraordinary achievements, regardless of their distance from the traditional combat theater, deserve distinct recognition from DoD.
As announced by DoD, the DWM medal will sit directly below the Distinguished Flying Cross and above the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. This decision has caused some stir in the military community.
MOAA strongly supports appropriate recognition of our troops’ extraordinary service in periods of conflict, including recognition of those who conduct operations from remote locations away from designated areas of operations. The DWM is appropriate to recognize this exemplary service.
However, we have concerns about giving the DWM precedence over the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
36 MILITARY OFFICER APRIL 2013
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