Getting ready for Dorian: Now would be a good time to refill prescription medications

Florida residents who are considering evacuating before Hurricane Dorian are advised to check in with their local pharmacies as soon as possible to receive medication refills that can last through the duration of the Category 4 storm and its aftermath.

The state Office of Insurance Regulation allows people to obtain 30-day refills on prescription medication if they reside in a county that is under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service, or a county that is under a state of emergency declared by the governor, or if the state has activated its emergency operations center.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for all Florida counties Thursday.

However, insurance provider Florida Blue is temporarily allowing members in all Florida counties to get early refills on medications, according to a news release. Now through Sept. 28, 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 prescriptions early.

The Florida Department of Health recommends that residents have a minimum two-week supply of all prescription medications during this time. Health officials say residents should also keep a list of all their medications, dosages and other special instructions with their emergency supply.

Because of the hurricane, residents may have trouble getting through to their regular doctors. Florida Blue members can use the Florida Blue website or mobile app for help finding care through another provider.

Pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Publix and Winn-Dixie generally provide emergency refills on maintenance medications that are non-controlled substances in advance of a major storm.