Important reminder: If you need a refill for your essential medication, go straight to the pharmacy (or use mail-order services) instead of contacting your doctor. We will be updating this post as states announce new emergency refill protocols.

With fears of limited stock at grocery stores, business closures, and potential quarantine, people are in a frenzy right now hoarding everything from toilet paper to hand sanitizer in the wake of COVID-19. Things have gotten so out of hand, the Trump administration is urging Americans not to hoard. After a phone call with the CEOs of large grocers and retailers, Trump told Americans, “… you don’t have to buy so much. Take it easy. Just relax.”

However, when it comes to your medications, you do want to take extra precautions to make sure you have the supply you need — especially if you’re part of a vulnerable population. This isn’t for fear that drug companies will run out of your drugs; it’s so you don’t run out in case you are quarantined or don’t want to be out in public.

Unfortunately, health plans generally enforce refill restrictions. If you have a 30-day supply, for example, you can not get a refill until day 24 or after. Health plans impose these rules to keep patients from having too much medication at home.

On March 13, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) issued a statement asking health plans and benefit managers to waive the restrictions. This will allow patients to get early refills with ease.

“America’s pharmacists can best serve patients if barriers to access medications from their pharmacy of choice are removed now, not later,” said Ilisa Bernstein, a Senior Vice President at APhA, in a statement on the organization’s website. “For example, health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) must allow early refills, remove burdensome prior authorizations, and promote home delivery.” Thankfully, many insurers have started to waive or relax their refill policies.

In the event that you are out of refills, individual states are also enacting their own policies regarding emergency refills. On March 10, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky issued an executive order, stating, “Pharmacists in any county in the Commonwealth of Kentucky may dispense emergency refills of up to a thirty (30) day supply of any non-controlled medication for residents of any county of the Commonwealth.” Alabama and Oregon took similar actions. Other states may follow suit, and we will update this post as they do.

As you get ready to hunker down, here’s what you need to know about early refills and what to do if you run into any trouble.

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How much medication should I have?
During pandemics such as the current situation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises patients to create an emergency supply of prescriptions. The CDC recommends you have a 7- to 10-day supply at home and to ask your pharmacist if you can get a 30-day emergency refill.

Other health officials suggest you store a larger quantity. In an interview with NPR, Dr. Peter Jacobson, a University of Michigan professor of health law and policy, advises 3-month supplies.

“People should not be caught short of having enough heart medications, diabetic medications, or any potentially life-saving medication that they need on a routine — daily or weekly or monthly — basis,” he said.

How do I get enough medication?
Even with health plans agreeing to waive or relax their refill policies, you may run into some resistance. If that’s the case, try the following tips:

Get a 90-day supply. Ask your pharmacist if they can fill a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply.
Quantity limit exceptions. If your health plan limits the amount of medication you can get, ask your provider to help you apply for a quantity limit exception. Your plan should respond within three days. If you can’t wait three days, you can always pay cash or use a GoodRx coupon to try to get the lowest price without help from your insurer.
Talk to your health plan. Call your insurer directly and ask them to allow you to get a refill before the refill date.
Don’t take no for an answer. Advocate for yourself and get others like your provider and pharmacist to speak up on your behalf.
Remember OTC drugs. If you or someone in your household comes down with the virus, make sure you have plenty of acetaminophen (Tylenol) to fight the fever. Pick up some cough syrup, too. Plus, make sure you have other basic medications on hand, like antihistamines if you have allergies.
How do I get medication if I can’t leave my house?
Whether you come down with coronavirus, you are quarantined, or you are self-isolating, you may be unable to venture out to pick up your prescriptions. You may be able to get your medication delivered directly to you. Here’s how:

Reach out to big chain drug stores. Take advantage of CVS or Walgreens. Both companies are currently offering free home delivery of prescription drugs.
Call your local, independent pharmacy. Many smaller mom ‘n pop pharmacies typically deliver medications for free.
Try a mail-order service. Now might be a good time to check out mail-order pharmacies. They often offer great discounts and free shipping. Find out if your insurance company will cover mail order and how long you will have to wait to get a refill. If you search for your medication on GoodRx and navigate to the “Mail Order” tab, you’ll find additional delivery options.
What if I need a new prescription?
The last place you want to be these days is your doctor’s office, health clinic, or a hospital. They’re all extremely busy right now dealing with COVID-19 along with other medical crises.

If you need a new prescription, consider using HeyDoctor, GoodRx’s telemedicine service. HeyDoctor visits cost $20 whether or not you have insurance. Plus, they’re currently offering free coronavirus screening consultations.