SAIPAN – The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program has been extended for the CNMI through July 15, 2026, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. announced, giving uninsured residents more time to access prescription drugs, vaccines, medical supplies, and equipment in the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The program was originally scheduled to end May 25, CHCC said.
EPAP is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, or ASPR, that helps people in federally identified disaster areas who do not have health insurance. It covers prescription medications, specific medical supplies, vaccines, and certain medical equipment including canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches, according to ASPR.
The program is available to residents of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian who do not have any form of health insurance, ASPR said. People with Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Plan coverage, individual health insurance, employer-sponsored coverage, or other third-party coverage are not eligible.
Eligible residents can refill prescriptions they did not have a chance to refill before the storm, replace medications and medical equipment lost or damaged in the disaster, and replace items lost or damaged while evacuating, ASPR said. The program provides a 30-day supply of covered drugs and medical supplies that can be renewed every 30 days for as
