FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeutic committee (DoD P&T) has reviewed and selected a limited number of blood glucose monitor test strips that will save money for beneficiaries and DoD.
Four self-monitoring test strips are included in the DoD Uniform Formulary. The Uniform Formulary is a standardized list of covered prescription medications available to the 9.4 million beneficiaries of the Military Health System (MHS). Co-pays are determined by “tier.”
The four approved test strips are now available to beneficiaries at a co-pay of $9 (Tier 2). The test strips reviewed and chosen are:
- Precision Xtra
- Accu-chek Aviva
- Bayer Contour
- Freestyle Lite
Accuracy of blood sample size, alternate site testing, result time, memory capacity, manufacturer customer support, and ease of use were some of the criteria taken into consideration for the review. The preferred test strips are the newest technology and the most cost-efficient according to the DoD P&T.
“The review by the committee of all the available glucose strips, which included a review of respective meters, allowed us to select several strips that we feel meets the needs of our diverse patient population,” said Army Medical Corps COL John Kugler, Chairman of the DoD P&T Committee, TRICARE Management Activity. “Our analysis also drives down the cost to the government by narrowing the number of options in Tier 2 and moving others to Tier 3 on the Uniform Formulary list.”
TRICARE officials are encouraging beneficiaries to switch to the preferred test strips, which offers them a choice in strips and saves money for beneficiaries and the DoD. Additional options for test strips on Tier 3 are still available for the $22 co-pay.
Beneficiaries who choose to use the preferred strips will have the opportunity to order a new meter that corresponds with their test strips. There is no cost for the new meter.
Beneficiaries who have used glucose test strips within the past year should have received a letter communicating details of the change. For more on glucose test strips click the medication tab, then over-the-counter medications and supplies at http://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy.
Beneficiaries making the switch have many options including contacting a Military Treatment Facility pharmacy or clinic for information on how to receive a new no-cost formulary meter. To contact the companies directly:
Bayer Contour meter: to receive one free meter call 1-800-348-8100 or visit http://www.bayerdiabetes.com/us. To receive a free meter using the Web site click on the “home” tab then click on “Contour.”
Precision Xtra, Freestyle Lite or Freestyle Freedom Lite meters: to receive one of these three meters call 1-800-224-8892, weekdays from 8 a.m.to 10 p.m. EST; or by E-mail at OrderFulfillment@abbottcustomercare.com; or visit http://www.meters.abbottdiabetescare.com.
Accu-chek Aviva meter: to receive one free meter call 1-800-858-8072 or visit http://www.accu-chek.com.
About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System
TRICARE Management Activity, the Defense Department activity that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families, serves more than 9.4 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide in the Military Health System (MHS). The mission of the MHS is to enhance Department of Defense and national security by providing health support for the full range of military operations. The MHS provides quality medical care through a network of providers, military treatment facilities, medical clinics and dental clinics worldwide. For more about the MHS go to www.health.mil.
