Oct. 01, 2026 | By Defense Health Agency Communications
The end of summer brings a higher risk of hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and severe storms. These events can disrupt your healthcare and displace you from your home. TRICARE has special rules and tools to help you get care and stay on track with your prescriptions during a crisis.
Check current disaster alerts
Follow TRICARE Disaster Alerts X account to see the latest updates on natural disasters. Or you can also find emergency refill notices at Express Scripts Weather Notices. Visit Disaster Information for general natural disaster preparedness information.
Know your benefits during a disaster
When the government declares a state of emergency, TRICARE may put special rules in place. These rules can include:
- Early prescription refills
- Waived referrals and authorizations
- Other emergency benefits
Check TRICARE Disaster Alerts to see if your state or county is affected. You can also check to see if your state or county qualifies for emergency refills.
Getting care if you’re displaced
A disaster may keep you from reaching your primary care manager for a referral. If TRICARE issues a referral waiver, you can see a TRICARE-authorized provider without one. Follow TRICARE Disaster Alerts for more information.
Getting an emergency prescription refill
Before or during natural disasters, TRICARE may authorize early refills for prescriptions, as described in the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook. If you need an emergency refill, bring your prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. To find one:
- Call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303, or
- Use the Find a Pharmacy tool.
Try to visit the pharmacy where you first filled the prescription. If you use a network retail pharmacy, you can fill your prescription at other locations of the pharmacy. If your provider can reach a pharmacy, they may call in a new prescription for you. You can also ask a different pharmacy for help, but that pharmacy can choose whether to help you.
Don’t see your state or county on the alerts page? Call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303 or contact your regional contractor. Ask if emergency procedures apply in your area.
Preparing before a disaster
Plan a safe evacuation route and pick a safe shelter ahead of time. Pack these items in a waterproof container before you evacuate:
- Uniformed Services ID card
- Medicare card
- Other health insurance card, if you have one
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Checkbook, credit card, and cash
- Prescription containers, or a list of your medications with names, doses, and how often you take them
- Important phone numbers
- Medical or military records and documents
- Immunization records
- First aid kit
Do you have a chronic condition, or a vision, hearing, or mobility impairment? You may need to take a few extra steps. Talk to your doctor about an emergency healthcare plan. Learn where you can find more than one facility for dialysis or other life-sustaining treatments. Wear a medical alert tag or bracelet. Arrange to receive disaster warnings and get help reaching shelter. Also pack these items if you have special medical needs:
- Your doctor’s contact information
- A list of your illnesses, allergies, and medications, with dosages
- At least a week’s supply of medication. Refill your prescriptions before you leave, and plan for any medications that need refrigeration.
- A list of your medical devices, with type and model number
- Medical devices or equipment you need, such as glucose monitors, breathing aids, spare glasses or contacts, wheelchairs, batteries, and walkers
- Special foods or supplements
- Food for your service animal
What to do after a disaster
Once the natural disaster passes, a few TRICARE tasks can help you avoid delays and unexpected costs.
- Check your ID card. You need a valid Uniformed Services ID card to get care or fill a prescription. If you lost your card, visit the nearest ID card office to get a new one.
- Follow referral and authorization rules. Right after a disaster, TRICARE may issue blanket referrals and authorizations. Once that period ends, follow your plan’s usual rules to avoid extra costs. Check TRICARE Disaster Alerts to see if your area still qualifies.
- Update your enrollment if you move. If you move after you evacuate, transfer your enrollment or find a new provider. You have 90 days from your address change to update your TRICARE health plan and avoid a break in coverage.
- Keep paying your fees and premiums. If you pay an enrollment fee or a monthly premium, keep paying on time so you stay enrolled.
- File claims promptly. If you pay out of pocket for care during a crisis, file your own claim with TRICARE for reimbursement.
- Keep copies of your medical records. Carry copies of your family’s medical records with you. This helps any new provider understand your health needs quickly.
By taking these steps to prepare today, you can ensure that you and your family maintain continuous, reliable access to the healthcare and medications you need during an emergency.
