HHS activates Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for uninsured Tennessee residents needing medicine after Hurricane Helene
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, today activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for Tennessee to aid uninsured residents in replacing prescription medicines or certain medical equipment lost or damaged due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Through the federally managed program, uninsured residents can request a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active. The program also pays for replacements of some types of durable medical equipment and supplies such as canes; crutches; walkers; wheelchairs; blood sugar meters, and blood sugar test strips for diabetics. Vaccinations provided by retail pharmacies also may be covered under EPAP.
“Medications may get lost or damaged when a disaster strikes, putting people's health and well-being at risk," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O'Connell. “People without any form of insurance or public assistance for medical care are particularly vulnerable in these situations. I encourage uninsured residents in the affected area to take advantage of this vital program."
Uninsured Tennessee residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470 (TTY 1-800-876-1089), or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.
Individuals from any of the affected zip codes are eligible to apply for EPAP even if they evacuated due to the storm and are not currently in Tennessee. Prescriptions can be filled at any participating pharmacy nationwide. Residents with Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or private insurance are considered insured and therefore ineligible.
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 (DME) for eligible individuals in a federally identified disaster area. Thousands of pharmacies across the country participate in EPAP, and pharmacies that do not yet participate are encouraged to enroll.
Following Hurricane Helene, President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Tennessee to aid the state in responding to Hurricane Helene. EPAP activation is part of the federal support available after disasters. To learn more about EPAP, check out HHS Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, a video that uses American Sign Language to explain eligibility and how the program works.
About ASPR:
ASPR, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leads the nation's medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and other public health emergencies. ASPR collaborates with hospitals, healthcare coalitions, biotech firms, community members, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and other partners across the country to improve readiness and response capabilities.
