California Insurance Commissioner Takes Action to Ensure Access to Prescriptions and Healthcare Services Amid Wildfire Emergency

Strategic Insights -

California's Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara, has directed health insurance companies to submit emergency plans to ensure continued access to medical care and prescription medications for those affected by the statewide wildfire emergency. This move follows reports of mail-order medication delays due to U.S. Postal Service cuts and Governor Gavin Newsom's declaration of a state of emergency on August 18, 2020. Commissioner Lara issued a notice reminding insurance companies of their obligation to maintain access to prescription drugs, and requires them to file their emergency plans with the Department of Insurance by August 26, 2020.

Key Takeaways:

  • Commissioner Ricardo Lara directed health insurance companies to submit emergency plans detailing how they will ensure continued access to needed medical care and prescription medications for those affected by the wildfire emergency.
  • The emergency plan requires insurance companies to allow for 90-day prescription drug refills, waive delivery charges for home delivery of prescription medications, and ensure access to non-network pharmacies without increasing costs onto patients.
  • Health insurance companies are required to file their plans with the Department of Insurance by August 26, 2020, close of business.
  • Commissioner Lara reminded insurance companies of their obligation under California law to maintain access to prescription drugs.
  • The move aims to help consumers stay safe and healthy during the quadruple threat of extreme heat, wildfire evacuations, postal delays, and the pandemic.
  • 367 wildfires are currently burning in California, displacing thousands of residents.
  • Mail-order prescriptions grew 21 percent during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics:

  • 367 wildfires are currently burning in California.
  • Thousands of residents have been displaced by the wildfires.
  • Mail-order prescriptions grew 21 percent during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Insurance companies are required to file their emergency plans with the Department of Insurance by August 26, 2020.

Sources:

  • "Commissioner Lara Takes Action to Protect Californians' Access to Prescriptions and Healthcare Services During Wildfire Emergency" (Department of Insurance, California)
  • "California State of Emergency Declaration" (Governor Gavin Newsom's official website, August 18, 2020)