Note from MOAA: Have you been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, or the response? Share your story to help MOAA understand the needs of the uniformed services community in this challenging time.

Reduced hours at military treatment facility (MTF) pharmacies. Crowded waiting areas that prevent social distancing. Installation access restrictions. Longer wait times at pharmacy counters. We’ve heard you: Pharmacy concerns are the top medical issue reported to MOAA related to the COVID-19 emergency.

Addressing MOAA members’ concerns about getting prescription medications safely and affordably is one of our top priorities during this national emergency. MOAA is calling on Congress to make home shipping an affordable option for TRICARE beneficiaries.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Waive Mail Order Copays During the Pandemic]

Most recently, we worked with the office of Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) on a bipartisan effort to temporarily waive copays for TRICARE mail order pharmacy prescriptions. MOAA played a key role in developing a letter calling on House leadership to eliminate these copays so beneficiaries can continue to access their medications at no cost while practicing social distancing and protecting mission-critical personnel at MTFs.

The joint letter with Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) was signed by a bipartisan group of more than 50 members of Congress and sent to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on April 13.

MOAA endorsed the letter and coordinated endorsement by numerous other military and veteran service organizations, including the Air Force Sergeants Association, American Warrior Partnership, Armed Services YMCA, Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S., Blinded Veterans Association, Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the U.S., Fleet Reserve Association, Gold Star Wives of America, National Military Family Association, Secure Families Initiative, Service Women’s Action Network, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, TREA: The Enlisted Association, Vets Community Connection, and Wounded Warrior Project.

[RELATED: Donate to MOAA’s COVID-19 Relief Fund]

MOAA is currently conducting outreach to encourage a similar effort on the Senate side.

Many thanks to those who have shared their feedback with us. If you encounter problems related to COVID-19, please Share your story or report your issue at legis@moaa.org. Get more COVID-19 resources, including the latest news and links to official guidance, here.