Emergency Prescription Access Program

Authored By: Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response

Contents

Information

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system.

People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 62,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.

 

Who can receive benefits under the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program?


The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) helps people living in a disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs and medical equipment that they need to stay healthy.

How can I get prescription assistance after a disaster?

1 2 3 4 5
Make sure that EPAP has been activated in you area Find out if you are eligible Find out if your prescription items are covered Locate an enrolled pharmacy
 
Provide the pharmacy with your precription information

 


Step 1: Make sure that EPAP has been activated in your area

EPAP claims can only be filed in a federally designated disaster area. To find out whether EPAP has been activated in your area, check the EPAP Status. Please note that EPAP-active areas may change.


Step 2: Find out if you are eligible

EPAP is for people who do not have health insurance. If you have health insurance, such as an individual health insurance policy or employer-sponsored coverage, or public insurance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or other third party coverage, you are not eligible to use EPAP. Call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470 to find out if you are eligible and to register with EPAP.


Step 3: Find out if your prescription items are covered

EPAP covers most prescription drugs, vaccinations, certain medical supplies, and some forms of medical equipment, including canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches (also known as durable medical equipment). You can call Express Scripts at 1-855-793-7470 or check the list of items covered by EPAP to learn if your prescription, medical supplies, or medical equipment are covered. Pharmacies must dispense the generic form of a medication unless indicated as Brand Medically Necessary (BMN) or Dispense as Written (DAW) by your licensed health care practitioner.


Step 4: Locate an enrolled pharmacy

Claims can only be processed by a pharmacy that is enrolled in EPAP. Find EPAP-enrolled pharmacies near you.


Step 5: Provide the pharmacy with your prescription information

To receive prescription drugs, you must have at least ONE of the following 1) a new, written prescription from a licensed health care practitioner; 2) a current prescription bottle; 3) a prescription phoned in or electronically transmitted by a licensed health care practitioner; or 4) proof of an existing prescription.

If you need replacement durable medical equipment, medical supplies, or vaccinations that do not usually require a prescription, ask your healthcare provider to contact the pharmacy.

If you have questions about using EPAP during a disaster, call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470.

Last Review and Update: Jan 15, 2025
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