Fair Treatment of Consumers Following Wildfire Evacuation

BULLETIN 19-14 TO: ALL INSURERS AUTHORIZED TO TRANSACT HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE STATE OF ALASKA AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES RE: FAIR TREATMENT OF CONSUMERS FOLLOWING WILDFIRE EVACUATION Alaska experienced an unprecedented wildfire season and consumers in some areas were under mandatory evacuation orders. Based on the authority given to the Director of Insurance during an emergency under AS 21.06.080(d), the division issued guidance to insurers regarding the treatment of prescription drug or medical supplies. The guidance required early refills and replacements of lost or damaged medication throughout the wildfire season without additional authorization and a relaxation of network requirements. At this time, the wildfire season is coming to a close, and it appears that civilian evacuations have ceased sufficiently to render the guidance issued in Bulletin B 19-12 no longer necessary. As of September 24, 2019, insurers may resume applying standard cost shares, and authorization and network requirements for prescription drug coverage. Bulletin B 19-14 supersedes Bulletin B 19-12 If you have any questions relating to this bulletin, please contact Sarah Bailey, Life and Health Section Supervisor at sarah.bailey@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4608. Dated September 23, 2019 ____________________________ Lori Wing-Heier Director Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development DIVISION OF INSURANCE P.O. Box 110805 Juneau, AK 99811-0805 Main: 907.465.2515 Fax: 907.465.3422