Emergency Prescription Assistance Program Extended Through August 15 for Disaster Survivors

ST. CROIX, Virgin Islands, June 11 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

The federal program that provides emergency prescription assistance for survivors who have no prescription insurance coverage has been extended through Aug. 15, 2018.

"This program provides vital assistance to people without insurance who rely upon certain prescription medicines to protect their health after disasters," said Dr. Robert Kadlec, Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. "I encourage U.S. Virgin Islanders who can use this assistance to take advantage of it to ensure they have an adequate supply of the medicines they need."

To be eligible for a free 30-day replacement of certain drugs and medical supplies through the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), the survivor must have a current prescription. Survivors who have Medicare or Medicaid, as well as those with private insurance or prescriptions covered under the Children's Health Insurance Program, are not eligible.

In addition to covered medications and vaccines, survivors can use EPAP to replace certain medical supplies or equipment lost as a result of last summer's hurricanes.

Check with your pharmacy to see if it is participating in EPAP. If you have questions about the program, call 855-793-7470. To learn more about EPAP, visit www.phe.gov/epap.