We have been in the Hurricane season for 2 months already and so far, no sign of activity. However, having said that, there could be one just on the horizon and it is as well you know how to ensure you have enough medication to last through an extended period of power cuts and curtailed mobility. Specifically, there are regulations in place to ensure that prescriptions can be filled even if it is not yet time to do so. Legislation passed in 2006 authorizes insurance payment to pharmacies for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication. This law is in effect under the following conditions:

1. The person seeking the prescription medication refill must live in a county that:

• Is under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service ; or

• Is declared to be in a state of emergency by an executive order issued by the Governor; or

• Has activated its emergency operations center and its emergency management plan.

2. The prescription medication refill must be requested within 30 days:

• After any of the conditions listed above occur; or

• Until these conditions are terminated by the authority that issued them; or

• When these conditions no longer exist.

3.   The time period for the waiver of prescription medication refills may be extended in 15- or 30-day increments by emergency orders issued by the Office of Insurance Regulation.