Accessing Medicare Benefits in a Disaster or Emergency

Posted by Marc Mantia
Estimated Reading Time 2 minutes 41 seconds

Navigating the healthcare system can be daunting in the face of a natural disaster or other emergency. This guide will help you access the medical care you need swiftly and efficiently, providing peace of mind and the knowledge to handle any emergency confidently. Whether you’re accessing routine care, seeking emergency help, or simply managing various aspects of your Medicare plan, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

The rules for getting care may change for a short time in areas where one of these has happened:

• The President has declared it an emergency or disaster. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) to see if your area is affected (TTY: 1-800-462-7585).
• A governor has declared it an emergency or disaster. Visit your state government’s website to find out if your area is affected.
• The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) has declared a public health emergency. Visit the HHS Public Health Emergency website. Or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to find out if your area is affected.

Seeing Your Doctor During a Disaster or Emergency

If you have Original Medicare, you can always see any doctor who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, your plan may make temporary changes to its rules when health plan services get disrupted during an emergency or disaster. Read about how to see your doctor in a disaster or emergency.

Obtaining Your Prescriptions During a Disaster or Emergency

Find out what to do if you have a Medicare drug plan and you can’t get to your network pharmacy or you had to leave home without your prescription drugs.

Paying for Your Monthly Plan During a Disaster or Emergency

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), other Medicare health plan, or Medicare drug plan (Part D), you’re still responsible for paying your monthly cost on time even in an emergency or disaster. Find out how to pay your premium in a disaster or emergency.  Find out how to pay your premium in a disaster or emergency.

Getting Kidney Dialysis During a Disaster or Emergency

Your ESRD Network can help you find facilities that give dialysis services in the area where you’re staying temporarily, but if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, you should check with them first. Find out how to get dialysis in a disaster or emergency.

Continuing Cancer Treatments During a Disaster or Emergency

Cancer treatments should continue according to your oncologist’s plan for treatment. For those who have been displaced or for those in areas where medical centers have been overwhelmed or closed, resources are available. Find out how to get cancer treatments in a disaster or emergency.

Replacing a Lost Card During a Disaster or Emergency

Even routine tasks can become more challenging during a disaster or emergency. Accidents such as losing your Medicare card can and do happen at this time. Learn how to replace your Medicare card if it’s damaged or lost.

Updating Your Address During a Disaster or Emergency

Displacement is common during disasters or emergencies. To help you access medical services more efficiently, Medicare needs to know your new address. Find out how to change your address with Medicare.

Replacing Lost or Damaged Equipment or Supplies During a Disaster or Emergency 

The upheaval often associated with evacuation or sudden relocation can result in lost or damaged medical equipment and supplies. Prompt replacement is key to avoiding negative health implications. Find out how to replace lost or damaged durable medical equipment (DME).

Call us to speak with a licensed insurance agent for assistance if you have further questions. We are available to answer questions about your Medicare plan and evaluate enrollment options when necessary.