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State Of Emergency Allows For Early Prescription Refills

A pharmacist looks at a shelving unit full of pill bottles.
Daylina Miller
/
WUSF Public Media
All health insurers, managed care organizations and other health entities must comply with early prescription refills.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' emergency declaration has activated a Florida statue that requires insurance companies and pharmacies allow early prescription refills.

So if you have a blood pressure medication you just filled a couple weeks ago, you can go and pick up an additional 30-day supply.

This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires.

RELATED: Gov. DeSantis Issues State Of Emergency For Florida Ahead Of Hurricane Dorian

Christie Hyde DeNave with Florida Blue said it's often the last thing people think about.

"A lot of people think about,’ Oh, I need to make sure I have food or gas for my generator or water.’ But you also need to really think about, ‘How can I prepare for my health to make sure that I have all the medical and health supplies?"

RELATED: What To Put In A Hurricane Emergency Supply Kit

DeNave recommends you also stock up on at least two weeks of over-the-counter medications, and label and store all drugs properly.

"You also want to make sure that all your prescriptions and your dosage and who prescribed it, write all that down and put it in a safe dry place with your other important documents like your insurance information and things like that," she said.

I took my first photography class when I was 11. My stepmom begged a local group to let me into the adults-only class, and armed with a 35 mm disposable camera, I started my journey toward multimedia journalism.
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