Care during a disaster

In many cases, during a declared disaster or emergency, you can get care from out-of-network providers at in-network rates. Here are some general guidelines based on your specific Medicare coverage.

If you have Original Medicare

If you have Original Medicare and live in a declared emergency or disaster area, you can get care from any doctor who accepts Medicare. However, some requirements may change in certain cases. For example, you may be able to get Medicare-covered services at an airport or from a military provider.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you may be able to see certain doctors or go to certain hospitals that take Medicare patients, even if it's not an emergency or the provider is outside of our network. Certain pre-approval rules for out-of-network services may not be required during an emergency or disaster. Please call customer service at the appropriate number above to see if Medicare coverage policies may have temporarily changed.

If you have a Medicare prescription drug plan and you can’t go to your usual network pharmacy to replace your prescription drugs, check with us to find another network pharmacy nearby. You can move most prescriptions from one network pharmacy to another and back to your regular pharmacy when the emergency or disaster ends.

If you lost your Medicare drug plan card and don’t know your plan’s phone number, call 1-800-MEDICARE or (800) 633-4227 to get your plan’s contact information. TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.

Using out-of-network pharmacies

If you fill your prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy, you’ll likely pay full cost. To request a refund on out-of-network prescriptions, you’ll need to submit a paper claim:

Health Alliance Plan Pharmacy Care Management
Attn: Pharmacy Reimbursement
1414 E Maple Rd
Troy, MI 48083

Please see here for the Pharmacy Reimbursement form. 

Extended prescription supplies

If you don’t think you’ll be able to return home for an extended time, you may want a 60- to 90-day supply of prescription drugs.

For additional information about getting care during an emergency or disaster in your area, visit the Getting care in a disaster or emergency page on the Medicare website.

The page includes important guidelines and information regarding healthcare services during an emergency or disaster, including:

• Visiting doctors and other providers
• Getting your prescription drugs
• Getting dialysis treatments
• Getting chemotherapy or other cancer treatments
• Replacing lost or damaged durable medical equipment or supplies
• Paying your premium
• Replacing a lost or damaged card
• Qualifying for a special enrollment period