The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), offering thousands of uninsured Floridians no-cost replacements of critical medications lost or damaged during Hurricane Michael.

The program pays for prescription medications for people without health insurance who are affected by disasters. More than 4,900 Florida pharmacies participate in EPAP, and more than 72,000 pharmacies participate nationwide.

 At no cost to uninsured patients, those needing certain prescription medications during an emergency can obtain a 30-day supply at any EPAP participating pharmacy through Nov. 15. Most prescription drugs are available.

 Uninsured patients also may use the program to replace specific medical supplies, vaccines or medical equipment, such as canes and walkers, damaged or lost as a direct result of Hurricane Michael or as a secondary result of loss or damage caused while in transit from the emergency site to an emergency shelter.

EPAP provides an efficient mechanism for enrolled pharmacies to process claims for prescription medication, specific medical supplies, vaccines and some forms of durable medical equipment for eligible individuals in a federally identified disaster area.

Uninsured Floridians affected by Hurricane Michael can call 855-793-7470, to learn if their medication or specific durable medical equipment is covered by EPAP and to find a participating pharmacy or visit www.phe.gov/epap.

Additional resources:

• People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmaciesacross the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.
• Pharmacies can enroll by dialing the following number call Express Scripts at 1-888-571-8182or using this website https://www.esiprovider.com/gen/express-scripts/index.cfm?cmd=1.
• The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (for Spanish, press 2 or text Hablanos to 66746) to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

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