As September marks National Preparedness Month, it’s a timely reminder to focus on readiness and enhance our preparedness strategies. By taking proactive steps now, we can better safeguard ourselves and our communities against future emergencies.
Preparedness Starts at Home – and it begins with a simple conversation. The month is a great time to take small steps that make a big difference in being prepared. While discussing potential emergencies can feel challenging, these conversations are the foundation of family safety and readiness.
Build your preparedness at your own pace:
- Choose a time when everyone is calm and relaxed for more effective discussions
- Share the steps you’ve already taken to prepare and invite questions
- Consider spreading discussions over multiple sessions to create a comfortable environment
- Use this time to create an Emergency Supply List using resources available in English and Additional Languages
Health Coverage in Emergencies: What You Need to Know
Medicare
- Original Medicare: Visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, even outside your area
- Medicare Advantage Plans: Contact your plan about accessing out-of-network providers during emergencies
Prescription Medications: Your Medicare drug plan can help with:
- Finding nearby in-network pharmacies
- Replacing lost or damaged medications
- Accessing out-of-network pharmacies when necessary
- Obtaining 60-90 day supplies for extended situations
Specialized Services:
- Dialysis: Contact your ESRD Network
- Cancer Treatment: Call National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER
- Medical Equipment: Medicare may cover repair/replacement of damaged equipment through approved suppliers
Medicaid Coverage
- Each state Medicaid and CHIP program has its own provider network. Contact your state for a list of providers.
Marketplace Plans
- Check Coverage: Understand how your plan responds to emergency situations
- Understand Eligibility: Be aware of any changes during emergencies
- Emergency Enrollment: Learn about special enrollment periods for plan changes
Contact Information
- General Medicare Questions: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- TTY Users: 1-877-486-2048
- Medicare.gov
- Medicaid.gov
- Healthcare.gov
- Regional Assistance (Region 3 – Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia): ROPHIORA@cms.hhs.gov
Additional Resources
For detailed guidance, visit:
- Getting Care in a Disaster or Emergency
- Getting Care & Drugs in a Disaster or Emergency Fact Sheet
- CMS Emergency Preparedness and Response Operations
- Preparedness and Response Toolkit for State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies in the Event of a Public Health Emergency or Disaster
- Marketplace: Getting Emergency Care