The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a series of closures across several healthcare systems in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. The closures are scheduled from Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10, affecting various facilities.
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's C.W. "Bill" Young VAMC Campus will be closed during this period, including its Emergency Department. Other sites under this system will also be closed for the same duration.
In Tampa, the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital will close for in-person appointments but keep its Emergency Department open for critical needs from October 8 to October 10. Other care sites within the Tampa VA Healthcare System will also be closed.
The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System remains fully operational on Wednesday, October 9, but plans to close for in-person appointments on Thursday, October 10. The Emergency Department will stay open for urgent cases.
For the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, several centers and clinics including Malcom Randall and Lake City VA Medical Centers will close at noon on Wednesday through Thursday for in-person services while keeping their emergency departments open.
The Orlando VA Medical Center is set to close at noon on Wednesday through Thursday as well, maintaining its emergency department availability for critical needs. All other sites of care within this system will be closed during these days.
Meanwhile, the Miami VA Healthcare System remains fully operational throughout this period. However, all Florida VBA offices are closed until Friday but offer virtual assistance options for veterans seeking help with disability compensation claims and appeals.
Veterans can utilize the VA Emergency Prescription Refill Program activated across multiple systems affected by Hurricane Milton. They can obtain necessary refills at local retail pharmacies by presenting an active prescription bottle or a new prescription form from an authorized provider.
For additional support or information regarding billing questions or coverage related to prescriptions, veterans and pharmacies can contact the Heritage Health Customer Care Line available throughout the week with specific operating hours provided.
The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center offers round-the-clock virtual care support to veterans enrolled in Florida and neighboring regions. More information about hurricane-related updates is accessible via official channels such as Hurricane Milton | Florida Disaster site which provides resources like sandbag locations and evacuation details.
Veterans needing further assistance may reach out to a State Veterans’ Service Officer using provided contact information.