Does Kroger’s Pharmacy Accept Tricare In 2024? (Comprehensive Guide)
Tricare health insurance provides prescription drug coverage to over 9.6 million active and retired military personnel and families across the United States. For those relying on Tricare plans, having access to pharmacies that accept this coverage is vital for affording medications.
Kroger pharmacies broadly accept Tricare insurance. This makes them a convenient option for military communities looking to fill prescriptions without large out-of-pocket costs. However, Tricare plan details vary, so members should still reference available resources to confirm their coverage specifics before utilizing Kroger pharmacy services.
Overview of Tricare Insurance
First, to understand Tricare coverage at Kroger pharmacies, it helps to learn about Tricare insurance plans. There are a few main options:
Tricare Prime – This HMO-style plan features set copays for care from military treatment facilities and preferred providers. Copays are $0 to low-cost for active duty families, while retirees pay $20-$22 for primary care visits and $31 for specialists.
Tricare Select – The preferred provider option charges flat outpatient visit fees and offers some coverage with non-network providers at a higher cost. Retirees pay annual enrollment fees.
Tricare For Life – This supplemental coverage for Medicare recipients has no enrollment costs. You pay Medicare copay amounts, but Tricare covers most out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Prescription drug copays under Tricare vary based on the specific medication tier, pharmacy location (military vs. retail), and whether you opt for home delivery.
| Drug Tier | Military Pharmacy Copay | Retail Network Pharmacy Copay | Home Delivery Copay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic | $0 |
|
|
| Brand Name | $0 |
|
|
| Non-Formulary | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Using Tricare at Kroger Pharmacies
The good news is that nearly all Kroger pharmacies accept Tricare insurance for prescription fills and refills.
To use your coverage, first get a prescription from your doctor. Bring this along with your military ID card to the pharmacy counter at your local Kroger store. The pharmacist will enter the prescription info, bill Tricare, and collect any applicable copays from you upfront based on the above rates.
Kroger also allows you to easily manage prescription refills online for convenience through their website or mobile app. Retirees can receive up to 90-day refills, while active duty members are limited to 30-day supplies when using Tricare at retail pharmacies like Kroger.
Limits and Exceptions
While Tricare plans mostly cover prescriptions filled at Kroger pharmacies there are some limitations:
No coverage for non-formulary drugs – If it‘s not on Tricare‘s drug formulary list, you‘ll pay full price at Kroger.
Refill restrictions for some drugs – Certain brand name and specialty meds require fills/refills at military treatment pharmacies rather than retail pharmacies.
Some OTC drugs not covered – While Tricare covers approved over-the-counter medications with a prescription, others would be out-of-pocket costs.
Your best bet is referring to your plan details or calling Tricare support with questions if you run into coverage snags at Kroger pharmacies.
Our Expert Opinion
Based on industry experience supporting military families with Tricare plans, our pharmacists view Kroger as an extremely affordable and convenient option for prescription needs. We would recommend Kroger pharmacies to those with Tricare insurance seeking to minimize medication costs. At the same time, Tricare members should reference available resources to understand their personal coverage details before filling scripts.
The Bottom Line
Is Kroger pharmacy in-network for Tricare insurance? Yes – Kroger accepts Tricare plans at locations nationwide. By providing prescription discount rates across drug tiers and classes along with low copays, Kroger pharmacies help make medications affordable for millions of active and retired military families relying on Tricare health benefits.
