Rx Refills During the Pandemic

As COVID-19 spreads, people who regularly take prescription drugs for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may be wondering what will happen with their refills. VA wants them to know it’s working hard to make sure prescriptions arrive on time and when they’re needed. We ask that VA prescription refills are requested as soon as possible. VA will process the refill request and have it sent before the veteran is scheduled to run out.

How do veterans request refills of their prescriptions?

To prevent waste and reduce the risk that unneeded medications could fall into the wrong hands, VA does not automatically refill medications. To receive a medication refill authorized by a VA prescriber, the veteran must actively request a refill using one of the methods described below:

• Online with My HealtheVet: Request refills of refillable VA-issued prescriptions, track VA prescription deliveries and view VA prescription history online.

• The new Rx Refill Mobile App: Request refills of refillable VA-issued prescriptions, track VA prescription deliveries and view VA prescription history from the convenience of a mobile device.

• Telephone call: Most VA pharmacies have automated telephone refill lines. The phone number of the local VA pharmacy is listed on the prescription label. To order refills by phone, callers will need the prescription number (shown as RX # on the prescription label) and their Social Security number. For many prescriptions that are no longer refillable, this automated system may allow a request be sent for more of this medication. For some medications, the healthcare team will need to contact the patient first.

• By mail:  VA pharmacy provides a refill request form with each prescription filled. To refill by mail, please complete the request form at www.va.gov/find-forms and mail it to the VA pharmacy at the address listed on the paperwork that arrives with the prescription.

Delivery times can be affected by weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the track delivery feature on My HealtheVet (sign in required), patients can obtain the tracking number in use by either the U.S. Postal Service or UPS.

Keeping healthy is one of the best ways to defend against COVID-19. VA knows that this can be a stressful time for veterans, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your immune system strong and healthy.

Article from VA My Health VET website – August 2020

Blake Hyfield is the post service officer for the local VFW and American Legion posts. He can be reached at bhpegleg@yahoo.com.

  Blake HYFIELD