Get Prior Authorization or Medical Necessity
Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is a routine process. We use it to make sure your prescription drug is:
- Safe
- Effective
- Medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition.
- Cost effective
You may need prior authorization for your prescription if it:
- Is specified by the DOD Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee
- Is a brand-name prescription drug with a generic substitute
- Has age limits
- Is prescribed for an amount more than the normal limit
Check the TRICARE Formulary to see if you need prior authorization.
How To Get Prior Authorization
- Search for your drug on the TRICARE Formulary.
- Download and print the form for your drug.
- Give the form to your provider to complete and send back to Express Scripts.
- Instructions are on the form.
- You don’t need to send multiple forms.
- Your authorization approval will apply to military pharmacies, network pharmacies, and home delivery.
Can't find the form you need? Contact Express Scripts.
How To Get Medical Necessity
- Search for your drug on the TRICARE Formulary.
- Download and print the form for your drug.
- Give the form to your provider to complete and send back to Express Scripts.
- Instructions are on the form.
- You don’t need to send multiple forms.
- Your medical necessity approval will apply at network pharmacies and home delivery.
Can't find the form you need? Contact Express Scripts.
You can search the TRICARE Formulary to learn more about specific drugs, copayments, and common drug interactions, or to check for generic equivalents or determine if a drug is considered a non-formulary medication.
As of Aug. 31, 2025, the TRICARE pharmacy benefit doesn’t cover weight loss drugs for TRICARE For Life beneficiaries, individuals with direct careIt's care you get at military hospitals and clinics. To learn more visit the Military Hospitals and Clinics page. Some individuals may get direct care only when space is available. coverage, and certain other groups when treatment of obesity is the primary diagnosis. Learn more about weight loss drug coverage.
Last Updated 10/17/2025