Congressman Kim Leads Bipartisan Effort to Lower Prescription Drugs Costs for Veterans During Coronavirus Crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) led a bipartisan call to Congressional leadership to lower prescription drug costs for TRICARE beneficiaries by eliminating copays on mail order prescription drugs through the next Coronavirus relief package.

“I’ve heard from a number of veterans throughout Burlington and Ocean County who now have an added cost of getting their prescription drugs in the mail. These veterans shouldn’t be penalized for doing the right thing and practicing social distancing; we should eliminate this copay during these tough times,” said Congressman Kim.

Currently, TRICARE recipients who pick up their prescriptions at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) do not pay a copay. With many MTFs either closed or operating at reduced hours because of the Coronavirus pandemic, many recipients have had to receive their prescription drugs through the mail, which does require a copay. The current copay is $10 for a 90-day supply of a generic drug and $29 for a 90-day supply of a brand name drug.

The letter, which can be found by clicking here, is signed by a bipartisan group of more than 50 members of Congress. The effort has also been endorsed by veteran and military family organizations including: Air Force Sergeants Association, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, Blinded Veterans Association, Commissioned Officers Association of the US Public Health Service, EANGUS: Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association, Gold Star Wives of America, Military Officers Association of America, National Military Family Association, Service Women’s Action Network, Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors, TREA: The Enlisted Association, and Wounded Warrior Project.

Information about Congressman Kim’s actions to contain the Coronavirus pandemic and address the ongoing economic impact can be found on his website by clicking here. Information about Congressman Kim’s efforts to support veterans throughout New Jersey can be found here.

Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

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