Birth Control

TRICARE covers the following types of birth control if a TRICARE-authorized providerAn authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS prescribes or provides them, as applicable:

• Birth control pills
• Birth control patches
• Contraceptive diaphragms
• Vaginal rings
• Cervical caps
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives
  • Intrauterine devices
  • Subdermal progesterone implants
  • Birth control shots
• Emergency contraceptives
  • Plan B (levonorgestrelEmergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. It's also known as Plan B. It's available to all beneficiaries for free without a prescription.) (no prescription required)
  • ella (ulipristal acetate) 
  • IUDs
• Permanent contraception
  • Tubal sterilization
  • Vasectomy

TRICARE doesn’t cover:

• Condoms
• Nonprescription spermicidal foams, jellies, and sprays
• Reversal of surgical sterilization (vasectomy or tubal ligation), unless medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition.

TRICARE covers counseling and teaching about fertility awareness-based methods, also called natural family planning. These are ways to track fertility without using drugs or devices. However, TRICARE doesn’t cover items used with these methods. This includes:

• Thermometers
• Hormone monitors
• Hormone test sticks
• Smartphone apps for charting
• Other FABM-related materials