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: