This bill makes changes to how military families and retirees get their prescription medications through TRICARE, the military's health insurance program. Starting October 1, 2026, eligible beneficiaries will have more freedom to choose where they get their maintenance medications—drugs they take regularly for ongoing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Instead of being limited to certain pharmacy options, they'll be able to use any pharmacy in the TRICARE network.

The bill also protects local pharmacies by ensuring they get paid fairly for medications they dispense to TRICARE patients. Pharmacies must be reimbursed at least what they actually paid to get the drug from their supplier, plus a professional fee similar to what state Medicaid programs pay. The bill specifically bans hidden fees that contractors might try to charge pharmacies, which could have driven some out of the TRICARE network.

To make sure this system works well, the bill requires independent audits at least once a year to check that pharmacies are being paid appropriately and that military families actually have good access to nearby pharmacies—especially in rural areas. Congress will receive reports on whether the pharmacy network is strong enough and whether beneficiaries are getting the medications they need without traveling too far. The Department of Defense must also submit a detailed implementation plan within 90 days of the bill becoming law.