Getting Help in a Disaster or Emergency
Natural disasters can strike with little or no warning, and Medicare offers resources to help people get the care they need if an emergency is declared and evacuation becomes necessary. This posting outlines how to access prescriptions, doctors, and critical equipment during a declared emergency.
Getting Care
Original Medicare members can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, while Medicare Advantage members should contact their plan about temporary access options. The following resources outline what to do for prescriptions, doctor visits, and critical care during a declared emergency.
Date(s): Available year-round; applies whenever a federal, state, or local emergency or disaster is declared
Format: Virtual
Platform: Medicare.gov/emergency
Prescription Drugs
You can transfer most prescriptions to another in-network pharmacy during an emergency, then return to your regular pharmacy afterward. If you need an out-of-network pharmacy, contact your Medicare drug plan.
Seeing a Doctor
With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, contact your plan about temporary options, such as using an out-of-network provider.
Critical Care & Equipment
Need access to cancer treatments, dialysis, or a replacement wheelchair or walker? Visit Medicare.gov/emergency to learn more about getting the care and equipment you need during an emergency.
Primary Resources
Medicare Emergency Preparedness — Medicare.gov/emergency · Plan ahead and find resources for getting care during a declared emergency
Getting Care in a Disaster — Medicare.gov/providers-services/disaster-emergency · Detailed guidance on doctors, prescriptions, dialysis, cancer treatment, equipment, and enrollment during a declared emergency
Support Services & Contact Information
Medicare Drug Plan Assistance — 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · Contact your Medicare drug plan to find an out-of-network pharmacy during an emergency
Manage Email Subscription Preferences — Medicare.gov email preferences · Update preferences or unsubscribe from Medicare Team email updates
About the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that administers the Medicare program, providing health coverage to people age 65 and older and to some younger people with disabilities.
CMS works to ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access medical care, prescription drugs, and necessary equipment during declared emergencies and natural disasters, including through special enrollment periods and temporary network flexibilities.
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