Does TRICARE or the VA Cover Testosterone Therapy?

• Prior authorization. Required for testosterone cypionate and enanthate injections. The form asks for a man aged 18 or over with morning total testosterone below 300 ng/dL on at least two separate occasions, or a diagnosis by an endocrinologist or urologist, plus signs and symptoms of low testosterone.
• Automatic denials. Requests for athletic performance, or for two testosterone products at once.
• How long it lasts. The first approval runs for a year. Renewal needs a positive response to treatment.
• Cost in 2026. Active-duty members pay nothing. Others pay $16 for a 30-day generic at a retail network pharmacy or $14 for 90 days by home delivery, and nothing at a military pharmacy. Check the TRICARE Formulary Search for testosterone's tier.

Since July 2026, DoD policy makes testosterone screening part of the Periodic Health Assessment for Active and Reserve members aged 30 and over, and the Defense Health Agency issued clinical guidance in September 2026. If you're on active duty, treatment normally goes through your military medical provider.

• Deployment. CENTCOM's deployment medical guidance lists testosterone among controlled medications that are disqualifying without a waiver.
• Flying. Starting testosterone generally means temporary grounding and a waiver. Talk to your flight surgeon first.
• Drug testing. Steroids aren't on the standard DoD panel but can be tested for. Positive results go through medical review, and a valid prescription protects you; a controlled-drug prescription with no stated period counts as expired 6 months after the last fill.

• Labs. Two clearly low fasting total testosterone levels, drawn between 8 and 10 a.m. at least a week apart, judged against the lab's range; the VA cites about 264 to 275 ng/dL. Baseline hemoglobin or hematocrit, LH, FSH and prolactin are also checked.
• Symptoms. At least one sign or symptom of low testosterone, with other treatable causes addressed first.
• Exclusions. Active prostate or breast cancer and uncontrolled high red-cell counts (such as a hematocrit above 48%) rule it out. Severe untreated sleep apnea, an unexplained raised PSA, a recent heart attack or stroke, and wanting to father a child call for extra caution.
• Already on testosterone? The two-test rule can be waived if you've been on treatment for more than a year.
• Copays in 2026. $5 for a preferred generic, $8 for other generics and $11 for brands per 30-day supply, capped at $700 a year. Priority group 1 pays nothing.

If you'd rather not wait, don't meet a plan's criteria, or want care that's fully online, Goprolean's physicians can prescribe testosterone cypionate, an FDA-approved generic, after reviewing your intake and bloodwork. Bloodwork is required and isn't included in the price. Enclomiphene, an oral compounded option that supports your body's own testosterone production, is also available. Goprolean isn't affiliated with TRICARE or the VA and doesn't bill them.

Military members, veterans and retirees can verify with VerifyPass for 10% off their first order and every refill.

See testosterone injections and enclomiphene for full details, safety information and plans.