Hurricane Sandy: Activation of Emergency Regulation COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3) and (4)

BULLETIN 12-23 Date: October 27, 2012 To: All Health Carriers Re: Hurricane Sandy: Activation of Emergency Regulation COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3) and (4) On October 26, 2012, Governor Martin O'Malley issued Executive Order 01.01.2012.19 declaring a State of Emergency for the State of Maryland. Accordingly, pursuant to COMAR 31.01.02.05 the Insurance Commissioner hereby activates the following emergency regulation for all health insurance carriers in the State. Pursuant to COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3) and (4), the Insurance Commissioner hereby requires health carriers to: waive any time restrictions on prescription medication refills and authorize payment to pharmacies for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date upon which the prescription medication had most recently been filled by a pharmacist; and waive any restrictions on the time frame for the replacement of durable medical equipment or supplies, eyeglasses, and dentures. COMAR 31.01.02.03B(4) defines health carriers as: (a) An insurer; (b) A nonprofit health service plan; (c) A health maintenance organization; (d) A dental plan organization; and (e) The Maryland Health Insurance Plan. If you have any questions regarding this Bulletin, please contact Joy Hatchette, Associate Commissioner, Consumer Education and Advocacy, by telephone at 410-468-2029 or by email at jhatchette@mdinsurance.state.md.us. By: signature on original____________ Therese M. Goldsmith Insurance Commissioner THERESE M. GOLDSMITH Commissioner KAREN STAKEM HORNIG Deputy Commissioner MARTIN O’MALLEY Governor ANTHONY G. BROWN Lt. Governor 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Direct Dial: 410-468-2007 Fax: 410-468-2020 1-800-492-6116 TTY: 1-800-735-2258 www.mdinsurance.state.md.us