REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — Patients at Fox Army Health Center’s pharmacy should expect longer wait times as beneficiaries respond to new TRICARE prescription drug copayments that took effect this month.
The on-base pharmacy is experiencing a significant surge in prescription volume as many military families transfer their medications back from mail-order and retail pharmacies to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs, according to a notice issued by the health center.
“Many beneficiaries are choosing to transfer their prescriptions back from mail order and retail pharmacies to reduce out-of-pocket costs,” the advisory stated. Wait times are especially lengthy during peak hours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
What Changed in January 2026?
The increased copayments stem from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, which established a schedule of TRICARE prescription drug costs running through Dec. 31, 2027. While the legislation was passed years ago, the latest round of increases took effect Jan. 1, 2026…