New TRICARE pilot takes off Published Feb. 24, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Selected TRICARE For Life beneficiaries received letters regarding the new TRICARE For Life Pharmacy Pilot program Feb. 18. The letter notified them of the changes that will take affect after March 14. TRICARE beneficiaries will have to use TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or a military pharmacy to fill prescriptions for select maintenance medication. Only beneficiaries that live in the United States will have to switch to the new program and will not have to participate if: · Currently an active duty family member · Have other health insurance with a prescription benefits · Already use home delivery or are on a maintenance medication not included in the pilot · Need the medication immediately like antibiotics or pain medication · A waiver is attained for personal need, hardship, emergency or special circumstances Once the program starts, customers will have two 30-day refills of their prescription covered at a retail pharmacy before becoming responsible for the full cost of the prescription. TRICARE Home Delivery offers beneficiaries a 90-day supply of their brand name medication for $13 and can save the customer up to $152 a year for each prescription by switching. "Both Home Delivery and Tyndall Pharmacy are excellent alternatives for TRICARE beneficiaries to fill their maintenance medications," said Lt. Col. Maria Ionescu, 325th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy flight commander. "Not only is it less expensive and convenient, but beneficiaries can also fill their prescriptions for up to a 90-day supply." Call the Tyndall Pharmacy at (850) 283-7557 ahead of time to make sure the medication is available. For more information about the program go to, www.tricare.mil/tflpilot.