Maryland Insurance Commissioner Takes Regulatory Action In Advance Of Hurricane Florence

​BALTIMORE – In light of Gov. Larry Hogan’s Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency yesterday, Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. today temporarily lifted insurance restrictions on when prescription medications can be refilled at pharmacies within the state. He also temporarily lifted restrictions on the replacement of durable medical equipment or supplies, eyeglasses and dentures.

Commissioner Redmer issued the following bulletin today:

• Bulletin 18-17 waives time restrictions on prescription medication refills, and payments to pharmacies are authorized for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date of the last refill. This bulletin also waives any restrictions on the timeframe for the replacement of durable medical equipment or supplies, eyeglasses, and dentures. 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. The regulation will remain in place for the duration of the State of Emergency. This regulatory action impacts the entire state of Maryland.

“Consumers should check their prescriptions and take steps today to obtain refills or medical supplies, if needed in advance of Hurricane Florence. Roads may be impacted by hurricane-related issues,” said Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. “By temporarily lifting insurance restrictions, we are allowing consumers to prepare in advance of the storm.”

The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) is available to assist individuals impacted by the forecasted storm. The MIA can be reached at 410-468-2000 or 1-800-492-6116.

About the Maryland Insurance Administration

The Maryland Insurance Administration is an independent State agency charged with regulating Maryland’s $28.5 billion insurance industry. For more information about the Insurance Administration, please visit www.insurance.maryland.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MDInsuranceAdmin or Twitter at @MD_Insurance.