119-HR-6400 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

Restores retail pharmacy choice for TRICARE maintenance meds in 2026 and tightens rules on the TRICARE pharmacy contractor’s payments and transparency. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.6400 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Rx ACCESS Act (Int…

What It Does

The Rx Access, Choice, Cost Equity, and Supply Stability (Rx ACCESS) Act changes TRICARE’s pharmacy rules:

• Lets beneficiaries choose where to refill non‑generic maintenance meds—retail network, mail order, or a military pharmacy—starting Oct. 1, 2026 (ending today’s refill limitation). [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.6400 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Rx ACCESS Act (Int…
• Requires the contractor to reimburse retail pharmacies at least the drug’s actual acquisition cost (or CMS’s NADAC proxy) plus the state’s Medicaid professional dispensing fee. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.6400 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Rx ACCESS Act (Int…
• Bans extra PBM fees on TRICARE retail pharmacies (e.g., point‑of‑sale, retroactive, or “clawback” fees). [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.6400 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Rx ACCESS Act (Int…
• Directs the GAO to audit, at least annually, reimbursement data and whether the network provides adequate access, with special attention to rural/underserved areas. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.6400 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Rx ACCESS Act (Int…
• Requires DoD to submit an implementation plan within 90 days of enactment. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.6400 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Rx ACCESS Act (Int…

Why It Matters

Today, TRICARE generally requires refills of many long‑term prescriptions through mail order or a military pharmacy, which some families find inconvenient or disruptive—especially if a nearby retail option leaves the network. The bill would restore retail choice while trying to keep pharmacies in network with clearer, higher‑floor reimbursements. [3]LII / Cornell Law School — 10 U.S.C. § 1074g – Pharmacy benefits program[2]TRICARE — TRICARE Maintenance Drug List (refill requirements)

Supporters also point to recent scrutiny of TRICARE pharmacy access and data quality; GAO has urged stronger monitoring of the contractor and verification of access data. [4]U.S. Government Accountability Office — GAO-25-107187: Defense Health Care—DOD…

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Rep. Jen Kiggans (R‑VA) with Reps. Maggie Goodlander (D‑NH), Morgan Luttrell (R‑TX), and Chrissy Houlahan (D‑PA). They say the bill “restores pharmacy choice,” protects independents from unfair pay practices, and improves transparency. [5]House.gov — Kiggans press release: “Kiggans Leads Bipartisan Push to Lower Drug…
• Military and pharmacy groups cited by sponsors: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), National Military Family Association (NMFA), The American Legion, and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). [5]House.gov — Kiggans press release: “Kiggans Leads Bipartisan Push to Lower Drug…

Who’s Against It

No formal opposition is listed yet, but past statements suggest two likely concerns:

• Cost: DoD has promoted mail‑order use as a way to keep TRICARE prescription spending lower; allowing more retail refills could raise plan costs if beneficiaries shift away from home delivery. [6]TRICARE Newsroom — TRICARE Newsroom: “See What’s in Store for the TRICARE Pharm…
• Access claims: The contractor and DoD often note that network standards put a pharmacy within a 15‑minute drive for most beneficiaries; they may argue new reimbursement floors and fee bans aren’t needed to maintain access. [6]TRICARE Newsroom — TRICARE Newsroom: “See What’s in Store for the TRICARE Pharm…[7]Military Times — Military Times: “Troops may face inflated drug costs under Tri…

What’s Next

Status as of December 4, 2025: Introduced on December 3, 2025 and referred to the House Armed Services Committee. Next steps would be a committee hearing/markup, then potential House and Senate votes. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.6400 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Rx ACCESS Act (Int…

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