Everyone living in the possible path of a hurricane knows that we are in the annual Southeastern USA Hurricane Season (June 1 through November 30). Since we all tacitly accept weather risk by living here, we need to have plans in the event of an actual disaster. As we age, our options for disaster preparation assume ever-increasing responsibility for our own safety, as well as the safety of family members. “Pack up and go” is not always an option. When relocation is necessary, we cannot decouple from our health care resources.

Once enrolled in Medicare, Americans often assume that they can receive medical attention whenever and wherever in the USA they happen to be at the time. Unfortunately, many Medicare enrollees may come up short if they make that assumption, and then suddenly require medicine or care during a temporarily relocation. Preparation is the key to safety, and today we address some of the most critical aspects of relocation preparation.

The government website medicare.gov has a virtual library of helpful information. Specifically, go to disasterassistance.gov for a comprehensive list of disaster topics and resources. Today’s highlights are taken from the section explaining how to continue receiving prescription drugs when away. Do not regard this Blog as comprehensive advice. As usual, we attempt to educate readers how to address pertinent questions and how to realize helpful answers.

When Medicare enrollees have sufficient warning that they will need to relocate due to an impending disaster, they should contact their Plan provider. Medicare has a 24/7 free phone number (800-633-4227), while other providers of Drug Plans also have contact numbers. Before you call any of them, be prepared, with your Medicare ID, policy numbers, list of prescriptions, etc. Work to secure a 60-to-90-day supply for all prescriptions.

If your Drug Plan requires an in-network provider, ask your regular pharmacy if they have any in-network providers where you intend to ride out the disaster. If not, contact your Plan to see if they will authorize you to use an out-of-network provider. If not, and should you have to pay full price for your prescriptions, ask in advance if they will reimburse you for part of the cost.

Prescriptions are not the only items that require pre-planning, but they may be the most important for your continued health. Other portions of the disasterassistance.gov website include instructions for visiting doctors, as well as receiving specialized care for dialysis, chemotherapy, and other serious medical necessities.

We are in the early portion of the 6-month Atlantic hurricane Season. Every affected resident must be aware of upcoming conditions, as well as what to do about their health.