Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across Florida in response to an impending winter storm expected to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain to parts of the state, including the Panhandle and North Florida.
Executive Order 25-13, issued Monday, allows residents to access early prescription refills to ensure they have essential medications in the event of pharmacy closures or supply chain disruptions.
The Florida Department of Health is working closely with emergency management officials statewide to prepare for potential impacts and is urging Floridians to take proactive measures by securing an adequate supply of their prescription medications.
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Declares State Of Emergency: State Braces For Rare Winter Storm
Under the state of emergency declaration, early refills are permitted, including for controlled substances, except for medications classified under Schedule II of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued a directive reminding all health insurers, managed care organizations, and health entities to comply with Florida Statutes. The law mandates the suspension of restrictions that would typically prevent early prescription refills during emergency conditions.
According to the directive, insurers must:
- Waive time restrictions on medication refills, including suspending “refill too soon” limitations at pharmacies.
- Authorize pharmacies to dispense a 30-day supply of prescription medication, regardless of the original fill date, if the patient has remaining refills.
- Ensure coverage for early refills if the individual resides in a county:
- Under a hurricane warning by the National Weather Service,
- Declared under a state of emergency by the Governor,
- With an activated emergency operations center.
READ: Dangerous Cold Grips Nation, Historic Winter Storm Threatens North Florida With Snow And Ice
The emergency prescription refill authorization remains in effect for 30 days from the issuance of the executive order and may be extended in 15- or 30-day increments if necessary.
The Florida Department of Health is advising residents to check their medication supplies and to take advantage of the early refill option as weather conditions are expected to worsen. Local emergency management agencies are also encouraging residents to prepare for possible power outages, road closures, and limited access to essential services.
“Ensuring Floridians have access to their necessary medications is a top priority as we prepare for this unprecedented winter weather event,” Governor DeSantis said in a statement. “I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to keep their families safe and prepared.”
Forecasters are predicting between 1 to 3 inches of snow in the Panhandle, with freezing rain and ice accumulation posing significant risks to travel and infrastructure across North Florida. The Governor has also activated the Florida National Guard to assist with emergency response efforts as needed.
Authorities are advising residents to:
- Keep emergency supplies, including food, water, and medications, readily available.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed through local weather updates.
- Follow official guidance from state and local emergency management agencies.
The state of emergency declaration and related emergency measures, including the early prescription refill authorization, will remain in effect until further notice.
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