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Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022
12/29/2022, 6:05 PM
Summary of Bill HR 8270
The bill aims to ensure that patients have access to necessary medications during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies. By providing advance notification of early refills, patients can better prepare and ensure they have an adequate supply of medication on hand.
Under the Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act, pharmacies would be required to notify patients by phone, email, or other electronic means when their prescription medications are available for early refill. This notification would be triggered by a declaration of emergency or disaster at the federal, state, or local level. The bill also includes provisions to protect patient privacy and ensure that pharmacies comply with notification requirements in a timely manner. Additionally, the legislation includes penalties for pharmacies that fail to comply with the notification requirements. Overall, the Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022 aims to improve access to essential medications for patients during times of crisis and ensure that individuals can effectively manage their health needs in emergency situations.
Congressional Summary of HR 8270
Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022
This bill requires private health insurance plans that cover prescription drugs to notify plan holders about the plan's policy concerning advance drug refills in response to a national or public health emergency. Specifically, the plan must notify plan holders in emergency areas whether the plan is waiving time limits on authorized prescription refills and, if so, the process for obtaining an early refill. Plans must issue such notification within five days of an emergency being declared.
Concerning the public health emergency declared in response to COVID-19, a plan must provide initial notification of its waiver policy not later than five days after this bill is enacted.

