Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP): North Carolina​

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) is a federal initiative managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. It provides an efficient way for community pharmacies to process claims for prescription medications, vaccines, limited medical supplies, and durable medical equipment (DME) for individuals from disaster areas declared by the President. This program is specifically designed for those without any form of health insurance coverage. Claims from individuals with private insurance, such as individual health insurance policies or employer-sponsored coverage, as well as public insurance like Medicare or Medicaid, are not eligible for payment under EPAP.

Beginning October 4, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is implementing EPAP in response to devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the State of North Carolina. EPAP has been activated by HHS/ASPR through November 29, 2024. Express Scripts administers this emergency prescription program on behalf of HHS and will immediately begin adjudicating claims for prescription drugs, vaccines, specific medical supplies and limited durable medical equipment (DME) for patients impacted by the disaster. 

How Does EPAP Work?

Think of EPAP as prescription insurance coverage for those who don't have it. Enrollment is required, and all billing codes and regulations for filling a prescription must be adhered to.

To fill a prescription through EPAP, eligible individuals must do one of the following:

• Have a new prescription from a licensed health care practitioner
• Present a current prescription bottle
• Offer proof of an existing prescription

Eligible individuals can receive prescription fills, vaccines, medical supplies (including diabetic supplies), and durable medical equipment (such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches) at no cost. Pharmacies are required to dispense the generic form of medication unless otherwise indicated as Brand Medically Necessary (BMN) by the licensed health care practitioner.

Individuals may receive a 30-day supply of prescription medications and medical supplies at $0 copay, which can be renewed every 30 days as long as EPAP remains active. This assistance is intended to treat medical conditions, replace maintenance prescription drugs, or cover medical equipment lost directly due to the disaster or damaged during transit to designated shelter facilities.

How Do I Sign Up?

Individuals residing in the counties affected by Hurricane Helene and who do not have any form of prescription insurance can call the EPAP enrollment hotline at 1-855-793-7470 (TTY 1-800-876-1089). During the call, you will be asked to provide information to enroll in the program and access the no-cost services outlined above. Please note that eligibility is limited to individuals living in the affected areas; however, prescriptions can be filled at any EPAP-enrolled pharmacies nationwide if the individual has evacuated the disaster area.

How Can I Find a Pharmacy that Participates in EPAP

To find the EPAP pharmacy nearest you, use the EPAP Enrolled Pharmacies Locator. If you cannot find a particular pharmacy near you or if you have questions about using EPAP during a disaster, call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470 for more information.

For further details and resources, please visit the following websites:

• FEMA Disaster Areas
• ASPR EPAP Information

Covered Counties in North Carolina:

EPAP has been activated in North Carolina in the following counties:

Covered Zip Codes in North Carolina:

28636
28678
28681
28623
28627
28644
28663
28668
28675
28615
28617
28626
28629
28631
28640
28643
28672
28684
28693
28694
28616
28622
28646
28647
28652
28657
28662
28701
28704
28709
28711
28715
28730
28748
28757
28778
28787
28801
28803
28804
28805
28806
28612
28619
28628

28637
28655
28666
28671
28690
28611
28630
28638
28645
28667
28601
28602
28609
28610
28613
28650
28658
28673
28682
28902
28904
28909
28017
28020
28073
28086
28089
28090
28150
28152
28169
28006
28012
28016
28021
28032
28034
28052
28054
28056
28077
28098
28101
28120
28164

28716
28721
28745
28751
28785
28786
28726
28729
28731
28732
28735
28739
28742
28759
28790
28791
28792
28707
28717
28723
28725
28736
28779
28783
28789
28033
28037
28080
28092
28168
28734
28741
28763
28775
28781
28743
28753
28754
28749
28752
28761
28762
28705
28777
28722

28756
28773
28782
28018
28019
28040
28043
28076
28114
28139
28160
28167
28720
28746
28708
28712
28718
28747
28766
28768
28772
28774
28604
28605
28607
28618
28679
28692
28698
28606
28624
28635
28649
28651
28654
28659
28665
28669
28670
28685
28697
28714
28740