The trickle of drugs moving to Tricare’s third tier — at a copay of $22 — may become a flood. On Sept. 28, the Defense Department’s Beneficiary Advisory Panel was asked to consider a proposal by the DoD Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee to move another 14 drugs to the high-priced level. On the list were ACE Inhibitors Univasc, Aceon, Accupril, and Altace (for high blood pressure). Also included were Calcium Channel Blockers Verelan, Verelan PM, Covera HS, Cardizem LA, Norvasc, DynaCirc, DynaCirc CR, Cardene, and Cardene SR (a different kind of blood pressure drug). In addition, Alpha-blocker Flomax, for benign prostate enlargement, was being considered. The third tier is used for extremely costly drugs that have less expensive counterparts which are equally effective for treating the same condition. Principal DoD deputy for health affairs, Dr. William Winkenwerder, will make the final decision.