PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
November 30, 2012

Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Christie Administration Encourages New Jersey Residents To Use Prescription Medicine Program

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd encourages individuals without insurance who were affected by Hurricane Sandy to use the federal Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) if they need to get prescription medicine refilled.

Under this free program individuals without insurance can get a one-time, 30-day refill of prescription medicine at participating pharmacies. Commissioner O'Dowd requested the activation of EPAP from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through December 31, 2012.

The EPAP provides access-at any enrolled pharmacy-to necessary prescription drugs and limited durable medical equipment for individuals in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance.

"The storm and its aftermath have affected thousands of New Jersey residents, including those who depend on prescription medication for both acute and chronic medical conditions," said Commissioner O'Dowd. "This program provides an efficient way for pharmacies to process claims for prescription medications to individuals affected by the hurricane who are without health insurance. We encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this program."

According to HHS, most large pharmacies have already pre-registered and many smaller pharmacies have pre-registered with EPAP.

Individuals must demonstrate New Jersey residency with a driver's license, state issued identification card, current lease, utility bill or other credible documents of residency.

To find out pharmacies currently enrolled, call the EPAP Help Line at 1-866-935-4135 visit https://www.scriptcare.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.epapProviderSearch.  EPAP HELP LINE 1-

For more information on who is eligible for EPAP, visit http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/epap/Pages/dai.aspx

Pharmacies who may still wish to enroll in the program should visit http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/epap/Pages/pharmacies.aspx.

New Jersey also offers other resources for residents recovering from Hurricane Sandy. To assist New Jersey residents as they continue to clean up their homes and businesses after the storm,

the Department has public health experts available through the state's 2-1-1 system to answer questions about mold removal, food safety and water safety.

Residents can also call 1-866-234-0964 to reach public health officials who are available to take calls 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The 2-1-1 human services hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  

Last Reviewed: 11/30/2012