After the Disaster - Considerations for Older Adults

Many services and benefits older adults use may have been affected by the recent hurricanes. Here are some tips for reestablishing lost services.

Social Security Benefits

Social Security has moved quickly to ensure that monthly payments get to beneficiaries affected by the recent hurricanes and that other vital Social Security services are provided.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has suspended mail service in some areas damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita , so paper checks are not being delivered. USPS has established temporary mail delivery stations in Louisiana and
Texas where you can pick up your Social Security check. To help prevent identity fraud, USPS will ask you for a photo ID.

If Social Security benefits are deposited directly into your bank account you will continue receiving your benefits even if your mail can't be delivered. It is a safe, quick and convenient way to get your benefits. You can sign up for direct deposit by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.

If you have any difficulty getting your payment, you can go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment. For information on the nearest open Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213.

Medicare Benefits

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is making sure that the Medicare program will accommodate the emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in the areas affected by the hurricanes.

Because Medicare is a national health insurance program, beneficiaries will be able to use their Medicare benefits with any health care provider or facility that accepts Medicare. In fact, CMS has relaxed many of the rules and regulations for beneficiaries who have evacuated their homes and for the health care providers who see them, including restrictions on beneficiaries who are enrolled in HMO or PPO programs.

For information about Medicare providers in your new area or for any other questions call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Medications

Many evacuees did not take their prescription and over-the-counter medicines with them when leaving their homes. Some pharmacies may make special arrangements to let you have some of your medication until you are able to obtain a new prescription.

• Get in touch with your health care provider's office. Pharmacies usually honor phone or fax orders if they come from the provider's office.
• If you used a pharmacy that is part of a chain, go to one of their branches in your new location. There may be computer records of your prescription medications on file.
• If you have your pill bottles, take those to the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist to fill the prescription or to give you enough medication until you can seek medical advice in your new location.

Helpful Phone Numbers

211 Information and Referral Service: 2-1-1

Area Agencies on Aging of Texas: 1-800-252-9240

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services: 512-438-3011

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: 1-800-252-5400

Texas Department of Insurance: 1-800-252-3439

Texas Health and Human Services Commission: 512-424-6500

References:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "CMS Actions to Help Beneficiaries, Providers in Katrina Stricken Areas." http://www.cms.hhs.gov/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1546
Downloaded October 3, 2005.

Social Security Administration. "Social Security and SSI Benefit Payments for People Affected by Hurricane Katrina."
http://www.ssa.gov/emergency/payments.htm
Downloaded October 3, 2005.

Willhite, Kelly., United Supermarket Pharmacy - 5601 Amarillo Boulevard, West, Amarillo, Texas.
Phone Interview: October 3, 2005.

Compiled by Andrew B. Crocker, Extension Program Specialist - Gerontology Health, The Texas A&M University System.