Extra RX Refill during State of Emergency

BULLETIN Number 26-B-03 To: All Insurance Companies and other Entities Licensed Under Chapter 58 of the North Carolina General Statutes From: Life & Health Division Date: January 29,2026 Subject: Projected Winter Storm – North Carolina Operations On January 29, 2026, Governor Stein issued EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 32, for the State of North Carolina (“the Emergency Area”) due to the projected winter storm anticipated to hit the State of North Carolina on or about January 30, 2026. On January 24 and 25, 2026 North Carolina experienced severe winter weather, which caused widespread power outages and hazardous conditions, and the State has experienced sustained below-average temperatures, further exacerbating the impact on public safety. The projected winter storm could further disrupt and provide additional strain on the States’ essential services. Executive Order 32 declares a state of emergency as defined in N.C.G.S. §§ 166A-19.3(7) and N.C.G.S. §§ 166A-19.20(b) exists in the State of North Carolina. ("the Emergency Area"). Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §§ 58-3 228, this bulletin pertains to all health benefit plans as defined in N.C.G.S. §§ 58-3-167, the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, and any optional plans or programs operating under Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 135 of the General Statutes, and other stand-alone prescription medication plans issued by entities that are licensed by the Department of Insurance. This bulletin is to remind health benefit plans of compliance requirements for operations under a state of emergency for purposes of obtaining extra prescriptions during a state of emergency or disaster. This authorization of extra prescriptions during this state of emergency in the State of North Carolina is valid for prescription medication requests made within 29 days of issuance of this bulletin, unless extended by an order issued by the Commissioner. Please refer any questions regarding this bulletin to the attention of Ted Hamby at LHInbox@ncdoi.gov. The link to Governor Stein’s Executive Order is: Governor Stein Executive Order 32 - NC Governor Statutory reference: NCGS 58-3-228. Coverage for extra prescriptions during a state of emergency or disaster.