Bulletin 26-5: Lifting of Prescription Medication Refill Waiver
DATE: January 29, 2026
TO: All Health Carriers
RE: Lifting of Prescription Medication Refill Waiver
On January 23, 2026, Governor Wes Moore issued Executive Order 01.01.2026.02 declaring a State of Emergency for the State of Maryland. On January 23, 2026, pursuant to COMAR 31.01.02.05 Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant, through Bulletin 26-4 activated:
COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3) and required health carriers in the State to waive any time restrictions on prescription medication refills and authorize payment to pharmacies that fill prescriptions for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date upon which the prescription medication had most recently been filled.
On January 29, 2026, the State of Emergency for the State of Maryland was lifted; therefore, pursuant to COMAR 31.01.02.02, the waivers set forth above, and Bulletin 26-4, are no longer in effect.
If you have any questions regarding this Bulletin, please contact Joy Hatchette, Deputy Commissioner at (410) 468-2029 or
[email protected].
Marie GrantCommissionerBy: Signature on Original
Joy Hatchette, Deputy Commissioner
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Bulletin 26-4: Activation of Emergency Regulation COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3) – Prescription Medication Refills
DATE: January 23, 2026
TO: All Health Carriers
RE: Activation of Emergency Regulation COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3) – Prescription Medication Refills
On January 23, 2026, Governor Wes Moore issued Executive Order 01.01.2026.02 declaring a State of Emergency for the State of Maryland. Accordingly, pursuant to COMAR 31.01.02.05, the Insurance Commissioner hereby activates the following emergency regulation for all health insurance carriers in the State.
Pursuant to COMAR 31.01.02.06A(3), the Insurance Commissioner hereby requires health carriers to waive any time restrictions on prescription medication refills and authorize payment to pharmacies that fill prescriptions for at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medication, regardless of the date upon which the prescription medication had most recently been filled. This waiver for time restrictions on prescription medication refills shall stand while the state of emergency remains in effect.
COMAR 31.01.02.06A(4) defines health carriers as:
(a) An insurer;
(b) A nonprofit health service plan;
(c) A health maintenance organization;
(d) A dental plan organization; and
(e) The Maryland Health Insurance Plan.
If you have any questions regarding this Bulletin, please contact Joy Hatchette, Deputy Commissioner at (410) 468-2029 or [email protected].
Marie Grant
Commissioner
By: Signature on Original
Joy Hatchette, Deputy Commissioner
________________________________________
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