A handful of states have declared emergency measures ahead of a winter storm slated to begin around Jan. 24. BCBS North Carolina is explicitly allowing early prescription refills, while Tricare — the U.S. Department of Defense’s health insurance program for service members, retirees and family members — and its pharmacy benefit manager, Express Scripts, are putting forward similar measures.
“We might allow a refill before your next refill date, replace a lost or damaged medication, or give you access to another pharmacy network where you can temporarily use your benefits,” Tricare’s pharmacy program said on its FAQ page. It also cautioned that orders could be delayed as a result of the weather.
Here is a state-by-state breakdown of refill policies:
- Arkansas: Tricare and Express Scripts emergency measures will proceed through Feb. 2.
- Georgia: A 2024 law requires insurers to cover early refills — specifically 30-day supplies of any prescription — during states of emergency. Tricare and Express Scripts emergency procedures will run through Feb. 1 across the state.
- North Carolina: BCBS North Carolina customers can access prescription refills through Feb. 20 to avoid interruptions, but early refills can only occur during the declared state of emergency. Tricare and Express Scripts are offering emergency assistance through Feb. 3.
- South Carolina: The state has historically relaxed refill timelines during similar emergencies, such as by allowing one-time early refills of Schedule III-V prescriptions. Tricare and Express Scripts said they are assisting in all counties through Feb. 1.
Becker’s last updated this story Jan. 22 and will continue to update it throughout the storm, as necessary.
