Your coverage keeps going
A hurricane doesn't end or pause your Medicare. Medicare.gov says the rules for getting care may change for a short time when the President declares an emergency or disaster, the HHS Secretary declares a public health emergency, or a governor declares an emergency. A recent North Carolina example is Hurricane Helene: FEMA's major disaster declaration DR-4827-NC covered 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for individual assistance, for an incident period of September 25 to December 18, 2024.
What changes after a declared disaster
| If you have | What you can expect |
|---|---|
| Original Medicare | You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, wherever you evacuate. A Medigap policy goes with you. |
| Medicare Advantage | When access to care is disrupted, the plan must cover Medicare-certified facilities outside its network at in-network cost sharing and waive referrals (42 CFR 422.100(m)). |
| Part D or a plan with drug coverage | The plan can help you find another network pharmacy, replace lost or damaged drugs, use an out-of-network pharmacy if needed, and get a 60- to 90-day supply. |
| Medical equipment | Original Medicare usually covers repair or replacement of equipment and supplies it paid for, from a Medicare-approved supplier. Medicare Advantage members should call the plan. |
First steps after the storm
- Get emergency care if you need it. Call 911. Emergency care is covered anywhere in the U.S., in or out of network.
- Call your plan. The number is on your plan card. If you lost it, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048) can give you your plan's contact information.
- Replace medicines. Ask your drug plan to help you refill lost drugs. If you pay full price out of network, keep the receipt.
- Call your equipment supplier. Report lost or damaged oxygen, wheelchairs, CPAPs or supplies.
- If you get dialysis, call your center or ESRD Network 6 (1-800-238-3773) to find treatment.
Can you change plans?
Only in a narrow case. A disaster special enrollment period (42 CFR 422.62(b)(18) and 423.38(c)(23)) is for people who were eligible for another enrollment period, such as Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7, and missed it because of the disaster. See the disaster special enrollment period. To review plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Full guide: hurricanes, floods and Medicare in North Carolina.
Related questions
Can I see an out-of-network doctor after a hurricane?
Medicare Advantage disaster rules.
Will Medicare replace equipment lost in a flood?
Wheelchairs, oxygen and supplies.
Can I get an early refill before a hurricane?
Drug plans and North Carolina law.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Getting care in a disaster or emergency
- FEMA — DR-4827-NC, Tropical Storm Helene
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.100(m), special requirements during a disaster or emergency
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62(b)(18), disaster special enrollment period
- CMS — Replacing DME and Prescription Drugs after a Disaster
- IPRO — ESRD Network 6, ESRD Network of the South Atlantic
More questions in this guide
- Can I get an early prescription refill before a hurricane in North Carolina?
- Can I see an out-of-network doctor after a hurricane in North Carolina?
- Is there a Medicare special enrollment period after a disaster in North Carolina?
- Will Medicare replace my wheelchair or oxygen lost in a flood?
Part of the guide: Hurricanes, Floods and Your Medicare in North Carolina · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose Medicare if I evacuate to another state?
No. Original Medicare works with any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage covers emergency and urgently needed care anywhere, and during a declared disaster that disrupts access it must cover non-network facilities at in-network cost sharing.
How do I replace my Medicare card after a hurricane?
Log in to (or create) your secure Medicare.gov account to print or order an official copy, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048). Call your plan for a new plan card.
Do I still have to pay my premium?
Yes. Medicare.gov says Medicare Advantage and Part D premiums are still due during a disaster, and a plan may disenroll you if you don't pay. Automatic payment or deduction from your Social Security payment helps if mail stops.
Medicare in your North Carolina county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Wake · Mecklenburg · Guilford · Forsyth · Durham · Cumberland · Buncombe · Union · Johnston · Cabarrus · New Hanover · Gaston · Onslow · Iredell · Alamance · Pitt · Davidson · Brunswick · Catawba · Rowan · All 100 counties →
