Commissioner Troy Downing Condemns DOD for Limiting Rx Drug Access to Active Duty and Retired Military

Commissioner Downing Calls on President Biden to Take Immediate Action

Helena, Mont.- Montana’s lone statewide elected veteran, State Auditor, and Insurance Commissioner, Troy Downing, is calling on the Biden Administration to intercede in Express Scripts’ recent decision to reduce the number of in-network TRICARE pharmacies in Montana.

TRICARE is the health program for the US Department of Defense, providing health benefits for active-duty military personnel, military retirees, dependents, and reservists. A recent decision by Express Scripts, TRICARE’s pharmacy benefit manager, to reduce the number of in-network pharmacies in the state puts Montana veterans and their families at risk.

“Montana veterans, who served with honor and distinction, deserve greater and more convenient access to their prescriptions − not less. Allowing this plan to move forward threatens our veterans by removing critical access to prescription drugs,” Commissioner Downing said. “This is a DC decision that fails to consider the needs of rural states. This policy will harm Montana service members, retirees, and their families. President Biden needs to step up and intervene in this disastrous decision. Our veterans deserve better.”

Read the Commissioner’s letter to President Biden HERE