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Medicare Offers Refills for Drugs Lost in Floods Posted 15 June 2008 One of the unforeseen results of the Iowa flooding, tornadoes and storms this summer is the loss of prescription drugs in homes damaged by the weather.    Iowans on Medicare have protection according to Kris Gross from the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).    “Medicare is working to assure that Iowans who lost their medications can get early refills from their Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D),” states Gross. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal Medicare agency, expects Part D plans to guarantee immediate refills of Part D medications to beneficiaries located in any area declared a state or federal disaster area.    Residents in affected areas can call their Part D plans to explain their need for a refill before going to the pharmacy.   Pharmacists can also assist their customers if the refill is rejected.   Some people affected by the Parkersburg/New Hartford tornado had refill requests rejected because the plan said it was too soon for a refill.  Medicare has contacted plans to remind them of their obligation to refill prescriptions during disasters.  Individuals will have to pay the appropriate co-pay for the drug refilled. If you, or someone you know, have difficulty getting refills contact SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664 (TTY 800-735-2942).    SHIIP will work with Medicare and your Part D plan to assure you have prescriptions you need.   SHIIP is a service of the State of Iowa and all services are free, confidential and objective. For more information, please call your local hospital or health care provider

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