7 payer responses to Hurricane Ian

Health insurers have responded to Hurricane Ian by authorizing prescription refills, waiving prior authorizations, and adding emergency resources and support. 

The storm, one of the worst in Florida history, made landfall on the peninsula's Southwestern coast Sept. 28. More than 2 million people are without power in Florida as of Sept. 29, The New York Times reported. 

Here are seven payer responses to the natural disaster: 

1. Aetna expanded eligibility for its Resources for Living program to help those affected by the storm. CVS-Caremark is providing 10-day emergency prescription refills to people living in affected areas. 
2. Molina Healthcare of Florida is suspending prior authorization requirements for all prescription and medical services until the state of emergency declared by Gov. Ron DeSantis is lifted. 
3. Humana is waiving requirements for primary care referrals and prior authorizations for members in the declared disaster area. The insurer will also provide in-network rates for out-of-network facilities during the disaster. 
4. Florida Blue members can receive early prescription refills through Oct. 24. The insurer is also offering free virtual visits through Teladoc for anyone impacted by the storm, and has a 24/7 bilingual hotline for mental health support. 
5. Magellan Health, a Centene subsidiary, opened a 24/7 crisis support line for individuals coping with the aftermath of the storm. 
6. Florida Medicaid has lifted all prior authorization requirements and suspended pre admission screening requirements during the emergency. The agency advised providers to administer Medicaid recipients all necessary care during the disaster, even if it goes beyond what their Medicaid plan typically covers. 
7. Cigna said it will lift certain medical and pharmacy benefit restrictions during the disaster. The insurer advises members to call to find out which policies apply in their area. 
8. UnitedHealthcare has activated an emotional support line for anyone in need, available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT. The insuerer is is also offering exceptions on early refills for members who need to fill their perscriptions, ensuring team members in the path of the storm are accounted for and safe and sites in the path of the storm are secure.