TRICARE Reminds Beneficiaries to Be Prepared Before Disaster Strikes

09/20/2007 - FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Hurricane season got off to a mild start in the Atlantic, but the season isn't over yet and tropical storms and hurricanes are back in the news. In the wake of widespread flooding in the Midwest this summer, and Texas in particular, TRICARE reminds beneficiaries to prepare before a storm, hurricane, or any disaster causes evacuations or limits access to health care.

Preparing for a disaster ahead of time may alleviate some stress they may face during the storm, and ease the burden on family and loved ones. A few simple steps will help military families prepare for storm season or any disaster.

TRICARE officials remind their 9.1 million beneficiaries worldwide to make a plan as a family and keep in mind several simple things. Keep basic items such as water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, flashlights and first-aid items in an emergency kit.

Because medical help may not be immediately available during a natural disaster, be sure to pack all of your health related items in a waterproof emergency kit. These items include:

+ Copies of each family member's uniformed services ID card (or sponsor's name and Social Security number, family members' names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.);

+ Copies of each family member's Medicare card or other health insurance card, if applicable;

+ Copies of medical records for each family member;

+ List of each family member's primary care manager other doctors names and phone numbers;

+ Emergency contact names and phone numbers;

+ List of other important phone numbers, including your regional contractor, Medicare, and Express Scripts (the TRICARE Pharmacy contractor);

+ List of each family member's prescription medications and their doses, in case they need to be replaced;

+ List of each family member's allergies;

+ A properly-stored 30-day supply of all prescription medications for each family member;

+ For those who require Insulin, a 30-day supply as well as proper storage to keep it cool;

+ Nonprescription drugs, such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxatives, bug spray, itch control, etc.;

+ List of medical devices' style/model and serial numbers, such as pacemakers;

+ Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment; and

+ Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.

For more information and valuable tips, please visit TRICARE's Disaster Relief web page at www.tricare.mil/DisasterRelief/index.cfm.

Source: Army National Guard

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