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VA Prescription Refills
Four Ways to Do It
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
you to know we're working hard to make sure you get your prescriptions
on time, and when you need them. They ask that you request refills of
your VA Prescriptions as soon as possible. VA will process your refill
request and have it sent to you before you're 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 your VA prescriber, you
must actively request a refill using one of the methods described below:
·
Online with
My HealtheVet:
You can request refills of your refillable VA-issued prescriptions,
track VA prescription deliveries, view VA prescription history online.
·
The NEW
Rx Refill Mobile
App:
You can request refills of your refillable VA-issued prescriptions,
track VA prescription deliveries, view VA prescription history from the
convenience of your mobile device.
·
Telephone Call:
Most VA Pharmacies have automated telephone refill lines. You can find
the phone number of your local VA Pharmacy on your prescription label.
To order refills by phone, you will need the prescription number (shown
as RX # on the prescription label) and your Social Security Number. For
many prescriptions that are no longer refillable, this automated system
may allow you to send a request for more of this medication to be sent
to you. For some medications, the healthcare team will need to contact
you first.
·
By Mail:
VA Pharmacy provides a
refill request form
with each prescription filled. To refill by mail, please complete the
request form and mail it to your VA pharmacy at the address listed on
the paperwork that arrives with your prescription.
The COVID-19 situation is changing fast. Try not to forget to take your
medications or refill your prescriptions. Not having certain medications
could cause health problems that require medical attention, putting you
at risk of exposure with a facility visit. Veterans who forget to
re-order their medications in time have three options. You can contact
your VA medical center pharmacy, call the phone number on the
prescription label, or use My HealtheVet's
Secure Messaging
(sign in required) to get in touch with your health care team,
especially if your prescription is no longer refillable. As a last
resort, you may visit your VA pharmacy in person to request a refill.
You may be subject to screening before entering the facility. You might
also have a very long wait to have your prescription refilled. Visiting
in person can unnecessarily put you and others at risk of infection.
Delivery times can be affected by weather and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using the Track Delivery feature on My HealtheVet (sign in required),
you can obtain the tracking number in use by either the U.S. Postal
Service or UPS. Keeping yourself healthy is one of the best ways to
defend yourself against COVID-19. VA knows that this can be a stressful
time for Veterans, make sure you're doing everything you can to keep
your immune system strong and healthy. [Source: VA News |
August 12, 2020]
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