Let’s Talk Hurricane Prep (The Part Nobody Mentions)
Living in South Florida, we all know the drill – water, batteries, plywood. But in my 8 years helping families with health insurance, I’ve learned something most people forget until it’s too late: Your health insurance needs hurricane prep too.
Last year, I had a client evacuate to Georgia only to discover she couldn’t refill her heart medication. Another family spent hours on hold trying to figure out if their son’s emergency room visit in Orlando would be covered. These are the stories that keep me up at night – and why I’m writing this.
The Good News First
Here’s what many people don’t know: Your health insurance actually has built-in hurricane protections. Every single health plan – whether it’s through your job, Medicare, or the marketplace – MUST cover emergency care at in-network rates, even if you’re evacuated to Timbuktu.
But (and it’s a big but) you need to know how to use these protections.
Your Pre-Hurricane Insurance Checklist
Right Now (Yes, Today):
- Take photos of everyone’s insurance cards with your phone
- Email those photos to yourself and save them in the cloud
- Download your insurance company’s app
- Write down the 24-hour customer service number (not just on your phone!)
The Medication Game-Changer:
Most insurance companies have an “emergency override” that lets you refill prescriptions early when a hurricane’s coming. But here’s the catch – you usually need to request this BEFORE the storm hits. I tell all my clients: The moment you see South Florida in that cone, call your pharmacy.
Real Hurricane Stories (and What We Learned)
During Irma, my client Susan evacuated to her daughter’s in North Carolina. Her blood pressure medication ran out, and she panicked. Turns out, her insurance covered emergency refills at ANY pharmacy nationwide – she just had to tell them it was hurricane-related. One phone call, problem solved.
Another client, Tom, ended up in a Jacksonville emergency room with chest pains during evacuation. He was terrified about out-of-network costs. But emergency care is emergency care – his insurance covered it just like he was at JFK Medical Center here in Boynton Beach.
The Evacuation Insurance Playbook
If You’re Evacuating:
Pack medications like they’re gold (because they kind of are):
– Original bottles with labels
– At least 2 weeks’ worth
– A written list of what you take and why
– Your doctor’s phone number
Your insurance works everywhere for emergencies. But if you need to see a doctor for something non-urgent while evacuated, call your insurance company first. They might have partner networks or can tell you where to go.
If You’re Staying:
Know which hospitals and urgent cares plan to stay open. Boca Regional typically maintains emergency services. Many urgent cares close, but CareSpot and MD Now usually have some locations running.
The Medicare Hurricane Twist
My Medicare clients often worry the most, but honestly, you might have the best hurricane coverage of all. Original Medicare works everywhere in the U.S., period. Medicare Advantage plans must cover emergencies anywhere at in-network rates.
Pro tip for my Medicare Advantage folks: If you evacuate for more than 30 days, call your plan. They often have special provisions for extended displacement.
Mental Health Matters (Especially During Hurricanes)
Let’s be real – hurricanes are stressful. Really stressful. Your insurance covers mental health services, including crisis support. Many plans now offer 24/7 mental health hotlines and even virtual therapy sessions that work during evacuations.
After storms, I see a spike in anxiety and depression claims. This is normal, and help is covered. Don’t tough it out.
The Tech Stuff That Actually Helps
Your insurance company’s app is your lifeline during storms:
– Find open pharmacies and urgent cares
– Virtual doctor visits when everything’s closed
– Direct chat with customer service (faster than calling)
– Digital insurance cards when you can’t find the physical one
But remember – technology needs power. Screenshot everything important before the storm.
After the Storm: Getting Back to Normal
Once it’s safe, here’s your recovery checklist:
- Call your regular doctors to reschedule missed appointments
- Refill any medications you used from emergency supplies
- Save every receipt from storm-related medical expenses
- Document any health issues that started during the storm
Insurance companies are usually pretty understanding about hurricane-related claims, but documentation is your friend.
The Bottom Line on Hurricane Health Prep
Look, I know hurricane prep is overwhelming. But spending 30 minutes now to organize your health insurance stuff can save you hours of panic during an evacuation.
Here’s my personal hurricane health insurance kit:
– Copies of all insurance cards
– Medication list with doctor contacts
– Insurance company phone numbers written on paper
– Small notebook for documenting any medical care during storm
– Extra phone charger just for health emergencies
Let’s Get You Storm-Ready
Want help creating your family’s hurricane health insurance plan? I’ll walk you through exactly what your specific insurance covers during emergencies and help you prep your medication strategy.
This isn’t about selling you anything – it’s about making sure my South Florida neighbors are prepared. Call me at 954-646-3666 or email yheaven@aol.com.
P.S. Print this article. When the power’s out and you need to remember what to do, you’ll thank me.
Yvonne Heaven has been helping South Florida families navigate health insurance since 2016 – through multiple hurricane seasons. When she’s not preparing insurance emergency kits, you’ll find her stocking up on batteries and water like the rest of us.
