What your Medicare drug plan does
Part D plans normally block a refill until most of your last supply is used up. CMS guidance to plans says that when a disaster or emergency is expected to disrupt access to drugs, plans should lift those "refill-too-soon" edits and let affected members get the maximum extended supply the plan allows, until the declared emergency ends. Medicare.gov adds that your plan can help you:
- Find a network pharmacy where you're staying and move your prescriptions there
- Replace drugs that were lost, damaged or left behind when you evacuated
- Get drugs at an out-of-network pharmacy when you can't reasonably reach a network one
- Get a 60- to 90-day supply if you expect to be away a long time
If the pharmacy's system rejects an early refill, ask the pharmacist to call your plan, or call the member services number on your card yourself.
Oregon's emergency refill rule
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy's emergency rule, OAR 855-007-0090, applies in an area covered by a declared emergency. A pharmacist may give you an emergency refill without your prescriber's approval when it is essential to your health or to continue your treatment. The rule says:
- The refill can be no more than a 30-day supply.
- Controlled substances are allowed only with DEA permission.
- The label must say it is an emergency prescription, and the pharmacist must tell you that later refills need your prescriber's approval.
Separately, ORS 689.696 lets Oregon pharmacists give emergency insulin and supplies at any time, not only in disasters, if you have proof of a prior prescription.
What to do
- Bring your pill bottles or a list. A photo of the labels helps a new pharmacy find your prescriptions.
- Go to any pharmacy near you. Ask whether it's in your plan's network and tell them you were evacuated.
- Ask for an emergency or early refill. If the plan rejects it, ask the pharmacist to call the plan.
- Keep every receipt. If you paid full price, send the receipts to your plan for a refund.
If you have questions about a pharmacy, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy is at 971-673-0001. More in our wildfire guide and our guide to Part D in Oregon.
Related questions
What happens to my Medicare if I evacuate for a wildfire?
Care, drugs and equipment on the road.
Does Medicare cover insulin in Oregon?
Part D, Part B and the monthly cap.
Is there a Medicare special enrollment period after an Oregon wildfire?
Who qualifies and how long it lasts.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Getting drugs in a disaster or emergency
- CMS — Questions and answers on Part D refills during an emergency
- OAR 855-007-0090 — Emergency pharmacy rules (Cornell LII)
- ORS 689.696 — Emergency refills of insulin
More questions in this guide
- Does Medicare cover telehealth in Oregon?
- Does Medicare pay for an air purifier for wildfire smoke or a generator for my oxygen?
- Is there a Medicare special enrollment period after an Oregon wildfire?
- What happens to my Medicare if I evacuate for a wildfire?
- What is a critical access hospital in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Medicare in Rural Oregon · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an emergency refill of a controlled substance?
Only in limited cases. Oregon's emergency rule allows controlled substances only when the DEA has given permission, so ask your pharmacist and contact your prescriber.
What if I'm out of insulin and can't reach my doctor?
Oregon law (ORS 689.696) lets a pharmacist dispense emergency insulin and supplies if you show proof of a prior prescription, up to a 30-day supply, no more than three times a year. Insulin pumps aren't included.
Will my plan pay for a refill at an out-of-network pharmacy?
It may, if you can't reasonably reach a network pharmacy. You may have to pay first and ask for a refund, and you won't get back the out-of-network cost-sharing difference.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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