March 16, 2020
Montpelier, VT – On March 16, 2020, the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation issued Insurance Bulletin #210 regarding COVID-19 Prescription Drug Refills.
The purpose of this bulletin is intended to ensure that health insurance plans regulated by the Department of Financial Regulation continue to provide access to prescription drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This bulletin applies to health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM).
- In order to minimize the need for Vermonters to physically visit pharmacies, the department is directing insurers to make at least a 30-day supply of medication available to members refilling their prescriptions.
- The department encourages, but does not require, that insurers make available a larger-than-30-day supply when appropriate.
- Narcotic and specialty medications shall continue to be subject to each insurer’s standard refill policy.
- The department encourages insurers and PBM to work with retail pharmacies to offer home delivery services and to expand use of mail-order pharmacy services.
- Insurers and PBMs are reminded that retail pharmacies must be permitted to fill prescriptions in the same manner and at the same level of reimbursement as mail-order pharmacies.
If patients need assistance picking up prescription medications, please contact your local pharmacy for assistance.
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