Michael Lawrence
Emergency Medication Refills Allowed; Health Care Hurricane Prep Checklist; Planned Health Care Facility Closures
As Hurricane Ian approaches the state, Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan, and its parent company GuideWell will provide regular updates to the media on policy changes, community support services and openings and closures of local health facilities.
Emergency medication refills
Florida Blue will temporarily allow its members in all Florida counties to get an early refill of their medications. Florida Blue members can get a 30-day emergency supply of medication from in-network pharmacies. Members who go to an out-of-network pharmacy may not be able to fill their prescriptions early.
Florida Blue recommends all members who reside in an area that may be impacted by Hurricane Ian have at least a two-week supply of medication on hand.
Health care hurricane checklist
In addition to traditional hurricane preparations, Florida Blue encourages all Floridians who may be impacted by Hurricane Ian also run through this health care hurricane checklist.
- Refill medications & restock medical supplies. Make sure to have at least a two-week supply on hand of medications that may be needed. In addition to prescription medications, Floridians should stock extra medical supplies they use on a regular basis such as blood testing strips or oxygen tanks.
- Protect medications & supplies. Place medications and other medical supplies in a water-tight container.
- Make medication list. Keep a list of all medications, dosages and prescribing doctors with other important documents in a safe, dry location. Also keep a copy of health insurance cards and doctor’s orders and/or style and serial numbers of medical supplies.
- Make medical contact list. Make a medical contact list with phone numbers for primary care doctor and specialty doctors, pharmacy, medical facilities and other health care providers.
- Prepare or restock a first aid kit. Make sure nothing in it has expired. The first aid kit should include items such as antihistamine (oral and creams), ace bandages, adhesive bandages of all sizes, antibiotic cream, anesthetic spray or lotion, exam gloves, tweezers, non-adhesive pads and adhesive tape. Also make sure to have items such sunscreen, aloe and bug repellant on hand.
- Have ice ready. Ice should be available for medications that must stay refrigerated (such as insulin) if you lose power. Consult with your doctor and/or pharmacist about storage requirements for your medication before the storm.
Health care facility closures
At present, ALL of our Central Florida Regional locations remain open with normal operating hours.
Our Central Florida Region includes the following counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia.
We will continue to provide further updates throughout the week as needed.
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