SAIPAN — TRICARE beneficiaries in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands can receive emergency refills of prescription medications now through May 14 due to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the Defense Health Agency announced Monday.
Beneficiaries seeking an emergency refill should take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. If the bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, beneficiaries should contact Express Scripts or their retail network pharmacy for assistance, the agency said.
To find a network pharmacy, beneficiaries can call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303 or use the network pharmacy locator on the Express Scripts website.
If possible, beneficiaries should visit the pharmacy where the prescription was originally filled. Prescriptions filled by a retail chain may be filled at another store in that chain. If the clinician who prescribed the medication is available, beneficiaries can ask them to call in a new prescription to any network pharmacy.
The Defense Health Agency reminded beneficiaries that TRICARE-covered individuals other than active duty service members may receive urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or provider without a referral. The agency said the policy allows beneficiaries to seek nonemergency care for illnesses or injuries if their primary care provider is unavailable because of emergencies.
Any TRICARE beneficiary who reasonably believes they have an emergency should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, the agency said.
Beneficiaries are advised to visit the Express Scripts Weather Notices page for ongoing updates.
The Defense Health Agency provides health services to 9.5 million beneficiaries, including uniformed service members, military retirees and their families. It operates the TRICARE Health Plan and manages a global network of more than 700 military hospitals, clinics and dental facilities.