Activation of Emergency Regulation COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3 & 4)

Bulletin 16-24 Date: August 3, 2016 To: All Health Carriers Re: Activation of Emergency Regulation COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3 & 4) On July 31, 2016, Governor Larry Hogan issued Executive Order 01.01.2016.08 declaring a State of Emergency for Howard County. 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), the Insurance Commissioner hereby requires health carriers to waive any time restrictions on prescription medication refills and authorize payment to pharmacies that fill prescriptions for residents that live in the 21041, 21042 and 21043 zip codes 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. This waiver for time restrictions on prescription medication refills shall stand while the state of emergency remains in effect. Pursuant to COMAR 31.02.06A(4), the Insurance Commissioner hereby requires health carriers to waive any time restrictions on 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 joy.hatchette@maryland.gov. Al Redmer, Jr. Commissioner By: Joy Hatchette, Associate Commissioner Consumer Education & Advocacy AL REDMER, JR. Commissioner NANCY GRODIN Deputy Commissioner LARRY HOGAN Governor BOYD K. RUTHERFORD Lt. Governor 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 1-800-492-6116 TTY: 1-800-735-2258 www.insurance.maryland.gov signature on original