| |
Dr. William Winkenwerder, Jr., assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs and director of TRICARE Management Activity, approved the addition of 11 new medications to the TRICARE Uniform Formulary. Additionally, he approved moving seven medications to non-formulary status.
The following medications have been added to the Uniform Formulary: Levitra® (PDE-5 Inhibitor); nystatin, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, Mentax®, Naftin® (Topical Antifungals); and Rebif®, Avonex®, Copaxone®, Betaseron® (Multiple Sclerosis Disease Modifying Drugs).
Medications moved to non-formulary status include Viagra®, Cialis® (PDE-5 Inhibitors); and ciclopirox, econazole, Oxistat®, Ertaczo®, Exelderm® (Topical Antifungals). Formulary alternatives are available for these medications at a copayment of either $3 or $9.
Because these medications were moved from formulary to non-formulary status, beneficiaries will now pay a $22 copayment for these medications. The implementation date of the $22 copayment for the topical antifungal medications was August 17, 2005, and the implementation date for PDE-5 Inhibitors was October 12, 2005.
For more information about formulary medications, their availability and cost, visit the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool.
|
|
Starting January 1, 2006, the new Medicare prescription drug coverage becomes available to everyone eligible for Medicare, including TRICARE For Life (TFL) beneficiaries.
TRICARE Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, entitled to the TRICARE Pharmacy benefit, need to consider a number of factors when deciding whether or not to enroll in a Medicare drug plan. They should consider monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments and drug coverage under the different prescription drug plan options offered (also known as a formulary), including the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. The Medicare Part D drug plan options will vary by location.
For more information, visit the TRICARE Web site, the Medicare Partnerships Web site or www.medicare.gov.
|
