If you’re over 65, you may need to access Medicare during a disaster or emergency. Seniors Guide writer Terri Jones explains what you need to know.
If the government declares a state of emergency or natural disaster, such as a wildfire, hurricane, or earthquake, you’ll have a lot of details to take care of. If you’re forced to evacuate, you shouldn’t also have to worry about how you’re going to take care of your health.
The good news is that original Medicare makes it easy to get the care you need during these times of uncertainty.
Q&A: Medicare during a disaster
Can I see a different doctor?
Life doesn’t stop during a disaster. If you need to see a doctor, but you’ve had to evacuate to a location that isn’t in proximity to your current doctor’s office or for any other reason, you may see any doctor who accepts Medicare. For original Medicare, there are no network or geographic limitations within the U.S. That’ll give you peace of mind, right off the bat!
Where can I get my prescriptions refilled?
Some Medicare prescription plans (Part D) cover your prescriptions only if you have them filled at an in-network pharmacy. Your plan can direct you to the in-network pharmacies closest to the new area where you’ve temporarily relocated so that you can transfer your prescriptions. You’ll need to give the new pharmacy the name of your original pharmacy and the drugs you need refilled. (To ensure you can access this information, keep track of medical information – pharmacy, prescriptions and dosages, physicians, etc. – in a virtual cloud service that can be accessed from connected device, such as Evernote, iCloud, OneDrive, etc.) Once the emergency is over, you can transfer your prescriptions back to your original pharmacy.
If you must use an out-of-network pharmacy during an emergency or disaster, typically, you’ll have to pay the full cost of the drug upfront, but your plan may refund the cost (be sure to save your receipts). However, you won’t be reimbursed for the out-of-network cost-sharing amount. Contact your drug plan to learn more about their rules and how to submit a claim.
What if I lose my drugs in the disaster or don’t have a sufficient supply?
Sometimes your medications may be lost or damaged as a result of the disaster or you weren’t able to take a medication with you. Your drug plan can advise you on how to handle replacements as well as how to get 60- or 90-day supplies if you think you’ll be away from your home for an extended period.
How can I continue to get my treatments for chronic illnesses?
It may feel like life, as you know it, stops during a disaster, but if you have a chronic illness like kidney disease or cancer, you’ll still need to get treatment. Contact your End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network to find out where to get dialysis as well as supplies, medications, transportation to dialysis services and emergency financial help. For cancer treatments, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) can help you find other Medicare-approved cancer care providers. For other conditions, contact your doctor’s office for assistance.
Can I repair or replace lost or damaged equipment or supplies?
Just as you may need to replace some of your medications, you may also need to repair or replace equipment, like wheelchairs or walkers, or supplies such as diabetes care products, which were impacted by the disaster. Original Medicare will generally cover the repair or replacement cost if you work with a Medicare-approved supplier. And while you’re having equipment like a wheelchair repaired, your plan will usually cover the cost of a rental.
Am I obligated to pay my premiums on time during an emergency?
You don’t get a break on paying your premiums for Medicare or your drug plan during a disaster or emergency. They’re still due on their normal date. And if you don’t pay on time, you may be unenrolled. To ensure timely payment of your premiums, you can withhold your premium from your Social Security check or pay through an online bill payment service or electronic funds transfer.
Can I qualify for a special enrollment period if I miss mine?
If the disaster or emergency prevents you from joining, switching, or dropping your plan during your enrollment period, you might have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Part B and/or premium-paid Part A. The same might be true for signing up for or making changes to your drug plan. Learn more by contacting Medicare or your drug plan.
Can I replace a lost or damaged membership card?
If your membership card was damaged or lost in the natural disaster, it’s easy to replace. Simply log into your Medicare account and print a copy of your card. (In an emergency, having a clear digital copy of your Medicare card on your phone may help a provider confirm your coverage, especially if you can’t access a printer. If you save a digital copy for backup, protect it carefully, since your Medicare Number should be guarded like a credit card.)
Contact your drug plan about how to replace that card as well.
Knowing how to access Medicare during a disaster may be a lifesaver
Living through an emergency or disaster can be stressful. You’ll save yourself some of that stress by knowing how to get the medical care you might need before you actually need it. Contact Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or your Medicare drug plan (see your membership card or your plan’s website for contact info) for more details. Find more information about Medicare Advantage’s rules for getting care during emergencies here.
