Restrictions on Prescription Medication Refills and Replacement of Durable Medical Equipment or Supplies, Eyeglasses, and Dentures

BULLETIN 21-27 To: All Health Carriers Re: Restrictions on Prescription Medication Refills and Replacement of Durable Medical Equipment or Supplies, Eyeglasses, and Dentures Date: November 1, 2021 On October 29, 2021, due to the impacts of severe weather and tidal flooding, Governor Larry Hogan issued a Declaration of State of Emergency in the City of Baltimore and the following Maryland counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Prince George’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester. Many Maryland residents have been adversely impacted by the flooding event and have suffered losses including damage to property and personal belongings and displacement from their homes. Impacted residents may also have lost access to previously obtained medications and durable medical equipment due the severe weather event. The Insurance Commissioner hereby requests health insurance carriers to consider the effects of the recent flooding event when determining whether to apply time restrictions on prescription medication refills and the replacement of durable medical equipment or supplies, eyeglasses, and dentures for residents that live in areas impacted by the state of emergency. Where appropriate, the Commissioner encourages health carriers to voluntarily waive such restrictions while the state of emergency remains in effect. Questions about this Bulletin may be directed to the Life & Health Unit of the Maryland Insurance Administration at 410-468-2170. KATHLEEN A. BIRRANE Commissioner Signature on Original ________________________ KATHLEEN A. BIRRANE Commissioner GREGORY M. DERWART 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