Pharmacy shutdowns spark Delaware's implementation of safeguards for patients and pharmacies
In a move to protect Delaware residents and local pharmacies, the state has implemented a series of measures to ensure a smooth transition following the closure of more than two dozen Rite Aid stores in the region.
Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, Delaware's Insurance Commissioner, has emphasised the importance of these new regulations, particularly in shielding vulnerable groups such as elderly residents from potential scams that may arise from the store closures.
Under the new state requirements, health insurers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are mandated to cover one-time emergency prescription refills to maintain continuity of care for patients. This move is intended to streamline the prescription transfer process, making it easier for patients to switch pharmacies without disruption.
Navarro has worked closely with the Delaware General Assembly to pass laws that better regulate PBMs, aiming to ensure fair reimbursement rates for pharmacies that absorb displaced Rite Aid patients. The new rules also mandate network adequacy, requiring carriers and PBMs to maintain adequate pharmacy networks to prevent "pharmacy deserts," especially in rural and underserved areas.
To further protect consumers, carriers cannot use restrictive policies that steer patients to specific pharmacies or mail-order services under Delaware’s Pharmacy Access Act. They must also notify affected policyholders about pharmacy closures and provide clear guidance.
Insurers and PBMs are required to provide hotlines or other customer support services to assist people during the transition process. Navarro has warned that entities like Social Security and Medicare will not call and ask for sensitive, personal information.
The Delaware Board of Pharmacy has authorised one-time emergency refills for active prescriptions, and there should be no delays for urgent medications, including controlled substances and specialty drugs. Navarro encourages Delawareans who experience prescription delays, denials, or suspected scams related to the Rite Aid closure to file formal complaints to the insurance department's Consumer Services Division for investigation.
In light of these new regulations, patients are advised to be proactive by shopping around for a new pharmacy and figuring out which option might best fit their needs. The Delaware Department of Insurance has issued new requirements for health insurance companies and PBMs to expedite prescription refills and transfers, aiming to reduce disruptions and make the transition as smooth as possible for patients.
[1] For more information, refer to the Delaware Department of Insurance's bulletin on Rite Aid store closures and the accompanying emergency orders. [4] These measures aim to protect patients' access to their medications and ensure pharmacies are supported during the closures resulting from Rite Aid's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
- The state's implementation of measures is intended to safeguard residents from potential scams due to Rite Aid store closures.
- Commissioner Navarro acknowledges the significance of these regulations, focusing on the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly elderly residents.
- Health insurers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are legally bound to cover one-time emergency prescription refills.
- This measure aims to maintain continuity of care for patients during the transition process.
- The prescription transfer process is being streamlined to make it simpler for patients to switch pharmacies without interruption.
- Navarro has collaborated with the Delaware General Assembly to establish laws regulating PBMs for fair reimbursement rates.
- The new rules mandate network adequacy, ensuring that carriers and PBMs maintain adequate pharmacy networks to prevent "pharmacy deserts."
- Restrictive policies that steer patients to specific pharmacies or mail-order services are prohibited under Delaware’s Pharmacy Access Act.
- Carriers must notify affected policyholders about pharmacy closures and provide clear guidance on the transition process.
- Insurers and PBMs are required to offer hotlines or other customer support services to assist people during the transition.
- Navarro warns that sensitive, personal information will not be requested by entities like Social Security and Medicare.
- The Delaware Board of Pharmacy has authorized one-time emergency refills for active prescriptions, including controlled substances and specialty drugs.
- Delawareans are encouraged to file formal complaints to the insurance department's Consumer Services Division if they experience prescription delays, denials, or suspected scams.
- Patients are advised to shop around for a new pharmacy and choose an option that best suits their needs.
- The Delaware Department of Insurance has issued new requirements for health insurance companies and PBMs to expedite prescription refills and transfers.
- These measures are designed to protect patients' access to their medications and support pharmacies during the Rite Aid store closures.
- These new regulations are a response to Rite Aid's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings causing closures in the region.
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