Washoe County residents who receive health benefits through TRICARE have been granted a temporary waiver that permits emergency prescription refills through September 3. The Defense Health Agency announced the measure in response to disruptions caused by the ongoing Hawk Fire.
How to Obtain a Refill
Beneficiaries should bring the original prescription bottle to any pharmacy that participates in the TRICARE retail network. If the bottle is missing, damaged, or the label is unreadable, patients can contact Express Scripts, Inc., or speak directly with the pharmacy for assistance.
Express Scripts can be reached at 1‑877‑363‑1303, and the network pharmacy locator is also available on their website. When possible, patients are encouraged to return to the pharmacy where the prescription was originally filled. For prescriptions filled at a retail chain, the medication may be filled at another store within the same chain.
Clinician Assistance
If the prescribing clinician is available, beneficiaries may request that the clinician call in a new prescription to any network pharmacy. This option helps ensure continuity of care when the original prescription details cannot be used.
Urgent Care Access
TRICARE beneficiaries who are not active‑duty service members can also receive urgent care without a referral at any TRICARE‑authorized urgent‑care center or provider. This provision allows individuals to seek non‑emergency treatment for illnesses or injuries when their primary care provider is unavailable due to the fire emergency.
In true emergencies, patients should call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department.
Stay Informed
Express Scripts maintains a Weather Notices page where beneficiaries can check for updates related to the Hawk Fire and other potential disruptions. The Defense Health Agency advises patients to monitor this resource for the latest information.
This temporary waiver reflects the Department of Defense’s commitment to ensuring that service members, retirees, and their families maintain access to essential medications during natural disasters. Residents are urged to act promptly if they anticipate needing a refill before the September 3 deadline.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
