Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Clear Your Browser Cache

This website has recently undergone changes. Users finding unexpected concerns may care to clear their browser's cache to ensure a seamless experience.

Before Natural Disasters Strike, Know Your TRICARE Benefits

Image of Before Natural Disasters Strike, Know Your TRICARE Benefits. Florida National Guard Soldiers transport families through flooded roads during Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Arcadia, Fla., Oct. 3, 2022. Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) - Enhanced Response Force Package (FL-CERFP) assisted first responders as they conducted day and night time operations in support of residents in affected regions. Maritime operations granted FLNG Soldiers the capabilities to extract individuals trapped in their homes due to compromised road conditions in order to provide medical aid and ensure safety. (U.S. Army courtesy photo by Spc. Samuel Herman)

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Natural disasters are so frequent that it can be difficult to predict where the next hurricane, tornado, or flood may occur. That’s why you must always be prepared. In case of a natural disaster, one of the most important preparations is to ensure you and your family have your prescription drugs and access to health care services. Understanding how your TRICARE benefit works during emergencies is crucial.

“TRICARE has policies that allow beneficiaries to get needed prescriptions and health care during emergencies,” said Sapna Surana, chief of the TRICARE Click to closeprivate sector careNetwork and non-network TRICARE-authorized civilian health care professionals, pharmacies, and suppliers.Private Sector Care Integration Office. “When a natural disaster strikes, these policies may apply to your area.”

When the government issues a state of emergency, TRICARE may temporarily change its procedures to ensure that you receive timely medical care. Here’s what you need to know.

How to get emergency prescription refills

TRICARE may authorize early refills for prescriptions during emergencies or prior to natural disasters, as stated in the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook. To get an emergency refill, take your prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. You should try to visit the pharmacy where you originally filled the prescription. If you used a retail chain, you can fill your prescription at another store in that chain. You can also ask your provider to call in a new prescription to any retail network pharmacyCopayments will apply to your emergency prescription refill. If your prescription bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, you should contact the TRICARE pharmacy contractor, Express Scripts, or your retail network pharmacy.

How to get emergency referral waivers

What if you’re displaced during a disaster and can’t visit your primary care manager? TRICARE may authorize blanket referral waivers in certain areas during emergencies. If a waiver is in place, it means you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without paying point-of-service costs. If you need to file a claim, be sure to keep your receipts and file the claim as soon as possible. This will help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re displaced and need to find a doctor, use TRICARE’s Find a Doctor tool to find one nearby.

How to keep up with your TRICARE coverage

If your area experiences a natural disaster, there are a few things you should remember to do to after a disaster to make sure your health care needs are met.

  • Check to see if you have your Uniformed Services ID card with you. If you lose your ID card, go to the nearest ID card office to get a new one.
  • Follow appropriate referral and authorization procedures.
  • Don’t forget to transfer your TRICARE enrollment if you move after an evacuation.
  • Continue to pay your plan’s enrollment fees or monthly premiums on time, if applicable.
  • File claims in a timely manner.

How to prepare for an emergency

What you do to prepare before a disaster is also important. Do you have an emergency plan? Take time to outline how you and your family would communicate, how you would evacuate, and where you would shelter. It’s also important to have your essential items in a place that’s safe and easy to find.

When a natural disaster strikes your area, check TRICARE Disaster Alerts to learn if TRICARE has issued emergency policies such as early prescription refills or referral waivers. Follow up with your TRICARE contractor if you have any questions.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.

You also may be interested in...

Article Around MHS
Feb 21, 2023

Makin Island Conducts Medical Operations with Carrier Strike Group 11

Military medical personnel performing mock surgery on a mannequin

Simulated surgical training is integral to successful real time trauma treatment and care — on land and at sea. We take a look inside the intricately detailed, true-to-life training exercises happening aboard the USS Makin Island and USS Nimitz preparing medical personnel to treat combat casualties during marine combat operations.

Article Around MHS
Feb 15, 2023

USU, Canadian Armed Forces Host Military Women’s Health Workshop

Panelists at the Armed Forces Health Services and Uniformed Services University's International Military Women's Health Workshop

Women make up nearly 20% of the the United States Armed Forces, so having more females in healthcare professions creates a much more effective force. That's why the Uniformed Services University and Canadian Armed Forces Health Services collaborated recently to advance research on women’s health issues and to optimize care for women in uniform.

Article Around MHS
Feb 10, 2023

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Continues Expanding Mental Health Options in Pilot Program’s Second Year

Naval Branch Health Clinic Bahrain sign at Naval Support Activity Bahrain

A two-year pilot program expanding mental health treatment options for military and family members hit its halfway mark. Find out how it's been successful so far, and what's next in advancing services to warfighters and their families experiencing acute mental health problems.

Article Around MHS
Feb 7, 2023

A 'Not-So-Routine' Operation

Military personnel receives Distinguished Flying Cross

Like many heroes, he says he and his team were 'just doing our job'. Find out how Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Dominick Vitale's heroic critical care response to a horrific suicide bombing earned him one of the most honorable military decorations of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Article Around MHS
Jan 25, 2023

U.S. Army Medical Laboratory Forges Relationship with Australian Defence Force Institute

Military personnel in medical laoratory

American soldiers from the 1st Area Medical Laboratory were hosted by their counterparts at the Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute in Brisbane, Australia. Find out what was discussed at this meeting to strengthen critical relationships, save lives, and enable both sides' mission readiness.

Article Around MHS
Jan 12, 2023

Fleet Readiness Center East Enhances Emergency Preparedness with Training in CPR, Defibrillator, and First Aid

Military medical personnel practicing CPR

When it comes to providing first aid and initial care during an emergency, every second counts in the matter of life and death. That's why this training program at Fleet Readiness Center East aims to equip its workforce with lifesaving skills and training to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.

Article Around MHS
Jan 11, 2023

A Team Approach Strengthens African Partner Medical Capabilities

Military personnel providing equipment under the The African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership

The African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership was initiated to rapidly deploy peacekeeping operations in Africa. Find out how this five-year program culminated in closer partnerships as well as establishing processes required to sustain logistics, medical planning, combat casualty care, and infection control.

Article Around MHS
Dec 6, 2022

U.S. Army Enlisted Medical Soldiers to Receive Extended Training at Civilian Trauma Centers

U.S. Army enlisted medical personnel will now be assigned for one to two years at civilian trauma centers that partner with the U.S. Army to increase deployment preparedness. At the Army Medicine’s Inaugural Military-Civilian Partnership Summit held at the Defense Health Headquarters earlier this month, the Army Surgeon General explained to partners ...

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search
Last Updated: August 03, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery