How to Access Medicare During a Disaster in Hawai‘i
August 19, 2025 | Views: 163
How to Access Medicare in a Disaster: A Guide for Hawaiʻi Residents
Living in Hawaiʻi means we’re no strangers to natural emergencies—from hurricanes to wildfires and volcanic eruptions. In these situations, access to medical care, prescriptions, and specialized treatment becomes critical—but often more complicated. That’s why it’s vital to understand how Medicare coverage adapts during disasters.
I encourage you to watch this helpful video by KHON2 — “How to Access Medicare in a Disaster” — for easy-to-follow visual tips. It’s a valuable resource to see what assistance is available during emergencies and how to stay covered. Check it out here: Watch the video.
Key Tips for Navigating Medicare During Emergencies
- Stay Connected Digitally and Offline
- Keep important plan and Medicare account details stored securely—both online and on paper.
- Save your medication lists, provider contacts, and Medicare helpline number (1-800-MEDICARE).
- Understand Coverage Flexibilities
- Original Medicare continues to be accepted nationwide—even outside your network—so care remains available.
- Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) must relax rules during emergencies. That means access to out-of-network providers at in-network costs and waived referrals.
- Keep Your Medications Flowing
- You may get prescriptions filled at out-of-network pharmacies if necessary—save receipts for potential reimbursement.
- Many plans allow 60- or 90-day refills during disasters to avoid running out of essential medications.
- Maintain Access to Treatment & Equipment
- Medicare covers replacements for lost or damaged supplies—just contact your supplier or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
- For dialysis, cancer treatments, or other critical care, your regional ESRD network or the National Cancer Institute can help you find nearby providers.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) May Apply
- If an emergency or disaster occurred during an enrollment window, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll, switch, or drop Medicare plans
Quick Emergency Checklist for Hawaiʻi Residents
| What to Have Ready |
Why It’s Critical |
| Printed Medicare & plan info |
Internet might be out during disasters |
| Medication list & supply receipts |
Helps with refills, replacements, and reimbursement |
| Emergency contact card for providers |
Speeds up accessing care when displaced |
| Backup supplies (meds, batteries, etc.) |
Stay prepared if you must evacuate |
Disasters and emergencies can strike unexpectedly here in Hawaiʻi, but your Medicare coverage is designed to adapt when you need it most. Preparing in advance—by knowing your rights, storing backup documents, and watching key resources like the KHON2 video—makes all the difference.
Mahalo and stay safe, ohana. Watch the KHON2 video now to feel more prepared: https://www.khon2.com/whats-the-law/how-to-access-medicare-in-a-disaster-2/
