Rep. Malinowski Urges Insurance Companies to Clarify Rules for Prescription Drug Refills

WASHINGTON, March 12 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:

Representative Tom Malinowski led a group of 11 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Matt Eyles, President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans, and the eight major American insurance providers, to clarify that patients will continue to have access to life saving prescriptions as the coronavirus epidemic grows.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recommended that individuals maintain a continuous supply of their prescription medications for the duration of the epidemic to maintain the overall health of our most vulnerable populations. However, many insurance companies restrict patients from seeking prescription drug refills until they are down to the last three days of their supply. The dangers of this restriction are magnified by supply chain concerns related to the epidemic, given that the raw components for many of the pharmaceuticals Americans depend on are sourced from China and other affected areas.

Restricting patients to a three day supply of their medication, especially given supply chain concerns, makes it impossible for Americans to follow DHS guidance. The letter requests that insurers clarify their plans to ensure that patients are able to maintain an unlimited supply of their prescription medication.

"My constituents who depend on insulin and other lifesaving prescription drugs should not have to fear running out of their medication because of an insurance company's rule," said Congressman Malinowski. "I look forward to hearing the steps our major insurers plan to take to ensure that access to prescription medications will not be disrupted."

Dear Mr. Eyles:

On January 31, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Azar declared a formal public health emergency in response to the global threat of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As every part of the United States health system rushes to respond COVID-19, the undersigned Members of Congress request your leadership ensuring Americans can continue to access their prescription drugs during this epidemic.

It is the current recommendation of the Department of Homeland Security that individuals maintain a continuous supply of prescription medications in their homes.[1] We are concerned current restraints on prescription refills will make it impossible for many Americans to follow these suggestions. As you know, refills are seldom permitted until a patient is nearly out of medication.

In your position as President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans, can you please clarify what payors are doing to ensure that patients are able to maintain a continuous supply of prescription drugs for chronic disease management?

Given the urgent nature of this crisis, we ask for a prompt response by March 13, 2020.