Average Administrative Cost for Prescriptions
The average national administrative cost used for billing third party pharmacy prescription drugs for nonservice-connected disabilities is updated every calendar year (CY). Costs are based on VA’s national average administrative costs associated with prescriptions filled in a prior fiscal year.
VA Average Administrative Cost for Prescriptions
The CY 2026 VA average administrative charge is $12.97. This change is effective January 1, 2026.
The CY 2025 VA average administrative charge is $15.61. This change was effective January 1, 2025.
The CY 2024 VA average administrative charge is $17.01. This change was effective January 1, 2024.
The CY 2023 VA average administrative charge is $14.95. This change was effective January 1, 2023.
The CY 2022 VA average administrative charge is $13.26. This change was effective January 1, 2022. For more information, please review the National Average Administrative Prescription Drug Charge Update CY 2022.
Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 240
The CY 2021 VA average administrative charge is $20.71. This change was effective January 1, 2021. For more information, please review the Reasonable Charges for the National Average Administrative Prescription Drug Charge Calendar Year (CY) 2021 Update.
Federal Register, Vol. 85, No. 243
The CY 2020 VA average administrative charge is $18.38. This change was effective January 1, 2020. For more information, please review the Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; V3.27, 2020 Calendar Year Update and National Average Administrative Prescription Drug Charge Update.
Federal Register, Vol. 84, No. 244
The CY 2019 VA average administrative charge is $17.66. This change was effective January 1, 2019. For more information, please review the Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; V3.25, 2019 Calendar Year Update and National Average Administrative Prescription Drug Charge Update.
Federal Register, Vol. 83, No. 234
The CY 2018 VA average administrative charge is $16.64. This change was effective January 1, 2018. For more information, please review the Reasonable Charges for Medical Care or Services; V3.23, 2018 Calendar Year Update and National Average Administrative Prescription Drug Charge Update.
Federal Register, Vol. 82, No. 239
TRICARE Average Administrative Cost for Prescriptions
The CY 2026 TRICARE average administrative charge is $13.16. This change is effective January 1, 2026.
The CY 2025 TRICARE average administrative charge is $14.78. This change was effective January 1, 2025.
The CY 2024 TRICARE average administrative charge is $13.26. This change was effective January 1, 2024.
The CY 2023 TRICARE average administrative charge is $11.77. This change was effective January 1, 2023.
The CY 2022 TRICARE average administrative charge is $11.79. This change was effective January 1, 2022.
The CY 2021 TRICARE average administrative charge is $16.11. This change was effective January 1, 2021.
