The federal government has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for California to aid uninsured residents in replacing prescription medicines or certain medical equipment lost or damaged in the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County.
EPAP provides an efficient mechanism for enrolled pharmacies to process claims for prescription medication, specific medical supplies, vaccines and some forms of durable medical equipment (DME) for eligible individuals in a federally identified disaster area. Thousands of pharmacies across the country participate in EPAP, and pharmacies that do not yet participate are encouraged to enroll.
Individuals from any of the 528 affected zip codes are eligible to apply for EPAP even if they evacuated due to the fires and are not currently in California. Prescriptions can be filled at any participating pharmacy nationwide.
On January 10, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra of the out-going Biden administration, declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for California to address the health impacts of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County. EPAP activation is part of the federal support available after disasters.
Affected residents can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470 (TTY 1-800-876-1089), or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.
Source: HHS