The federal government's Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), which has been aiding uninsured victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, is set to expire on May 31, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Health and Human Services. The program has been a temporary no-cost haven for those in need of prescription medications, vaccines, and various medical supplies since the disaster struck last year.
State Pharmacist Amanda Fuller Moore, PharmD, highlighted the importance of EPAP, saying, "This federal emergency assistance program provided life-saving resources for our residents who needed it most." However, she also recognized that the program was designed to quickly, albeit temporarily, to fill a void left by the hurricane's swath of destruction. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has processed over 11,700 EPAP claims for more than 800 individuals across 20 counties since October 4, 2024.
EPAP's coverage extended beyond just medication, providing medical equipment like walkers and crutches, not to mention diabetic supplies, to those with no insurance. The program’s success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts between the HHS, FEMA, the NC Emergency Management, and local pharmacies and healthcare providers.
With EPAP drawing to a close, affected residents in western North Carolina are being directed to alternative resources. NCDHHS encourages individuals to apply for health care coverage through NC Medicaid, access free or low-cost medications through community programs like the NC Medication Assistance Program, or consider utilizing the NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program. Another option for those seeking aid, especially as EPAP winds down, is to check out the Health Insurance Marketplace for coverage options.
