Emergency Drug Refills Available for TRICARE Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Dorian

Emergency Drug Refills Available for TRICARE Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Dorian
Photo by K.C. Wilsey/FEMA

[Editor’s Note: MOAA will update this story with more information as we track Hurricane Dorian’s path and its potential impact on servicemembers, veterans, and their families.]

By MOAA Staff

While some of the earlier, catastrophic projections of Hurricane Dorian's strength at landfall on the U.S. coast have lessened, millions of residents of several states are still facing strong winds and heavy rains for several days as the storm's deadly path progresses.

MOAA has compiled a short list of resources below for servicemembers past and present, and their families. Please check with your local or regional media outlets for updated advisories and other storm details.

TRICARE Updates

TRICARE beneficiaries in several states will be eligible for emergency prescription refills, as the storm may threaten their usual pharmacy or medical facility. As of Sept. 4, the list was as follows; check here for updates:

  • Puerto Rico: All counties, through Sept. 6.
  • Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, U.S. Virgin Islands: All counties/areas, through Sept. 9.
  • Georgia: Brantley, Bryan, Camden, Charlton, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Pierce, and Wayne counties, through Sept. 9.
  • Virginia: Accomack, Chesapeake City, Essex, Gloucester, Hampton City, Isle of Wight, James City, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News City, Norfolk City, Northampton, Northumberland, Poquoson City, Portsmouth City, Richmond, Richmond City, Suffolk City, Surry, Virginia Beach City, Westmoreland, and York counties, through Sept. 9.

If you are in the affected areas listed above and require an emergency prescription, DHA says to take your prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy.

To find a network pharmacy: Call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303 or search the network pharmacy locator at https://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy. If possible, it’s recommended that beneficiaries take their prescription bottles to the same place their prescription was filled.

A note for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries: you can temporarily get refills WITHOUT a referral from your primary care manager. Also remember, TRICARE beneficiaries not on active duty do not need a referral to receive care from urgent care providers.

VA Closures

A number of VA facilities in affected areas have closed because of the storm. The VA's Carribbean Healthcare System has resumed regular operations, according to its website, but delays and closures are still possible in the Sunshine Healthcare Network and the Southeast Network; click the respective links for details on specific facilities.

Individuals with questions regarding their nearby facility or other storm-related information can call VA's Veteran Disaster Hotline at (800) 507-4571.

Military Installations

Check with official social media and online outlets to determine what status changes have been implemented by your installation; these may be updated frequently as the storm's projected path changes. Some useful links:

MOAA PREMIUM Membership


Get expert advice and resources tailored to military officers looking for a new career. Join for only $4 a month.

Related Content