Get Your Stockpiles of Recipes Ahead of the Disaster
During the height of hurricane season, there are countless things to remember and prepare for: securing doors , packing your bags, taking care of your pets – the list goes on.
You may have forgotten what to do with your recipes, especially if you have been moved.
While your course of action will of course depend on the current situation, you may receive an emergency early refill of any prescriptions you take.
For example, in Florida, Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Michael in some areas. This means that, according to the Florida Insurance Department , health insurance companies must allow early replenishment of prescriptions before the emergency is lifted. Under the law, insurers “must allow pharmacies to pay for at least 30 days’ supply of any prescription drug, regardless of the date the pharmacist last received the prescription.”
The Fort Lauderdale -based Sun-Sentinel advises that you will need to take to the pharmacy to get your prescription early: “photo ID; a bottle with a pill from the last refueling containing information about the pharmacy that issued it; the name, address and telephone number of the attending physician; if possible, the original recipe; and information about your insurance company, if applicable. “
North and South Carolina also have similar laws, according to the AARP. Both states “allow pharmacists to replenish prescription supplies up to 30 days during a disaster without a doctor’s approval.” Meanwhile, in Virginia, “pharmacists are only allowed to dispense certain drugs without a doctor’s approval and only if the drugs need to be refilled within the next 7 days.”
If you don’t stock up before leaving, Consumer Reports recommends using Rx Open to find a pharmacy open in your area. It is also recommended that you always keep a list of prescriptions with you, which states “drug name, strength, dosage form and regimen for each drug,” and store them in their original containers in a Ziploc bag to prevent water damage. …
“If you have a medicine that needs refrigeration and you don’t have electricity, keep it cool if possible using ice packs in the refrigerator,” writes CR. “If you can’t keep it cool, it’s still best to have your medication with you until you can properly store or replace it.” Even if it requires refrigeration, your medication may work without it for days or weeks.