The difference in prescription drug coverage betweeen MEDICARE, VA, CHAMPVA and Tricare
| Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) | VA | CHAMPVA | Tricare | |
| Who is eligible? | All people with Medicare. | All veterans who are eligible for, and enroll in VA health care coverage. | Spouse, survivor, or child of certain veterans killed or disabled in the line of duty. | Active duty and retired military and dependents. If age 65 or older an individual must have Medicare Part B. |
| Who fills prescriptions | Participating pharmacies. Some plans may also offer a mail order option. | May be filled at VA or civilian pharmacies or by mail | May be filled at retail pharmacies or by mail | May be filled at military treatment facilities, retail pharmacies or Tricare Mail Order Pharmacy. |
| How much are premiums? | $36 monthly national average for the premium (varies by plan) | None | None | None |
| How much are copayments? (Note: Amounts may vary by plan.) | $445 deductible, then 25% copayments until $4,130 total in drug spending. |
$8 copayment for medication. VA limits drug copayments at $960 yearly for some veterans. |
$50 yearly deductible for all outpatient care, including pharmacy. Cost-share for retail pharmacy is 25%. After $3,000 annual catastrophic limit is reached, CHAMPVA pays 100% . |
Military Treatment Facilities - up to a 90-day supply (formulary drugs only) at no cost. Retail pharmacies - up to a 30 day supply; $13 generic, $38 brand name, and $68 non-formulary copayment. Mail order pharmacy - up to a 90-day supply: $12 generic, $34 brand name, and $68 non-formulary copayment. . |
| Is help available for drug costs? | Yes. | Yes. | No. | No. |
See our page that compares Medicare Part D and Tricare for more details.
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