Insurance Commissioner Issues Emergency Regulation Regarding Prescriptions, Pharmacy Payments

In light of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s emergency declaration regarding Hurricane Sandy, Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith on Saturday activated an emergency regulation for health carriers. Under the regulation, time restrictions on prescription medications refills are waived; payments to pharmacies are authorized for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date of the last refill; and any time restrictions for the replacement of durable medical equipment, such as eyeglasses and dentures, are waived.

The emergency regulation only applies to those health insurance plans regulated by the Maryland Insurance Administration. Federal plans such as Medicare and Tricare, as well as self-insured employee plans and Medicaid, are not affected by this emergency action.

Consumers who are running low on necessary medications are encouraged to refill prescriptions before the storm reaches full strength. Anyone with questions about this action can call the Maryland Insurance Administration toll-free at 1-800-492-6116.

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