NC| North Carolina Insurance Bulletin Number 25-B-05 addresses the state of emergency declared by Governor Stein in Executive Order No. 9 due to a projected winter storm expected to hit North Carolina on or about February 19, 2025. The bulletin reminds health benefit plans of their compliance requirements during this state of emergency, specifically regarding extra prescription refills.
Key Points:
- The state of emergency declaration activates N.C.G.S. §§ 58-3-228, which pertains to all health benefit plans, the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, and other stand-alone prescription medication plans licensed by the Department of Insurance.
- The authorization for extra prescriptions during this state of emergency is valid for requests made within 29 days of the bulletin’s issuance, unless extended by the Commissioner.
- The bulletin serves as a reminder to health benefit plans about their obligations to provide coverage for extra prescriptions during a state of emergency or disaster, as outlined in the statutory reference NCGS 58-3-228.