Does Walmart Accept Tricare In 2022? (No, Try These Alternatives)

tags, markdown formatting, and ensure I answer the topic thoroughly in an expert-level way that provides significant value to readers. The goal is a very detailed, robust guide on this topic useful for any military family.

Unfortunately, as of December 15th 2021, Walmart and Sam’s Club locations no longer accept Tricare health insurance plans. This guide will cover what military families need to know about this change and how to get affordable care and prescriptions without Walmart.

What Was Covered by Tricare at Walmart?

Previously, Tricare members could use their insurance at Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies across the country. The Tricare website had a pharmacy locator to find participating stores.

Tricare would cover prescriptions, often defaults to generics for the lowest cost. It also covered some vaccinations done at the pharmacy like flu shots. For specifics on coverage, individuals needed to check with their plan.

Some indications show Walmart Vision Centers may have accepted Tricare vision benefits for exams, glasses and contacts. But this was only for active duty members, not retirees. It was advisable to call your local Walmart to confirm vision coverage.

How Did Military Families Use Tricare at Walmart?

Using Tricare insurance at Walmart pharmacies was simple. The steps were:

• Have your doctor send prescription electronically or bring in paper script
• Provide Tricare insurance card when filling prescription
• Also show military ID card as proof of Tricare eligibility

To fill a refill online, Walmart’s website allowed customers to enter prescription details from their bottle’s label.

Why Did Walmart Stop Accepting Tricare in 2022?

Walmart has not provided an official reason for ending Tricare acceptance. It may be a business decision to cut costs or reduce federal regulation requirements.

Whatever the reason, this Tricare change affects over 9 million military members, families and retirees who used the coverage at Walmart.

What Pharmacies Still Accept Tricare in 2022?

Fortunately, Tricare provides many pharmacy options besides Walmart. Other major chains that still accept Tricare include:

• Kroger
• Rite Aid
• Walgreens
• CVS (except in Target stores)

Some independent and regional chains also take Tricare, along with military treatment facilities.

The Tricare pharmacy locator makes it easy to find alternatives near you.

Tips for Transferring Prescriptions from Walmart

To move existing prescriptions to another pharmacy, here are some tips:

• Call your new pharmacy to ask their transfer process and policies
• Contact your Walmart pharmacy and request they transfer your prescriptions
• Provide Rx details – name, dosage, quantity
• May need to contact doctor‘s office to request new written scripts
• Confirm when transfer is complete before letting Walmart Rx refills lapse

Expect the process to take 1-2 business days for electronic transfer between pharmacies.

Saving Money on Healthcare Without Walmart

Here are some ways military families can reduce costs for medical care and prescriptions without Walmart:

• Use generics – Both Tricare and alternative pharmacies favor generics which are steeply discounted
• Mail order prescriptions – Tricare offers free 3-month supplies delivered by mail with some Rx plans
• Use military treatment facilities – Get care and Rx on base/post for lowest out-of-pocket costs
• Compare drug prices – Shop around, use apps like GoodRx to identify best deal near you
• Ask about discounts – Other pharmacies may offer military, senior, etc discounts

Conclusion

The news that Walmart and Sam’s Club are dropping Tricare is disappointing for military communities relying on its affordable and convenient access. But thankfully many major pharmacy retailers still participate in Tricare plans.

With planning ahead and utilizing cost-saving options, military families can still get quality care and prescription medications covered by Tricare without too much hassle or extra expense. The tips in this article can help retirees and active duty members make the transition smoothly.