HHS Activates Aid for Uninsured Californians in Need of Medications Lost in Wildfires

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week announced that uninsured Californians in Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties qualify for no-cost replacements of critical medications lost or damaged by current wildfires. The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) managed by the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is administering this relief. Uninsured citizens requiring certain prescription medications during an emergency can freely obtain a 30-day supply at any EPAP participating pharmacy through Dec. 31, with most prescription drugs covered under the program. They also may employ EPAP to replace specific medical supplies or medical equipment, like canes and walkers, damaged or lost due to the wildfires or while in transit to an emergency shelter. There are more than 200 participating EPAP pharmacies statewide. Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has temporarily waived or altered certain Medicare and Medicaid mandates to give healthcare providers, communities, and suppliers the flexibility needed to deliver continued access to care during the emergency.