Dover, Del. — In the wake of multiple pharmacy closures linked to Rite Aid’s bankruptcy filing, Delaware officials have implemented emergency measures to ensure residents continue to receive essential medications without interruption. Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has mandated health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers to facilitate uninterrupted access to prescriptions. Emergency refills must be authorized even when prescribers are unavailable, with verification allowed through pharmacy records. Efforts to simplify and expedite prescription transfers are now required. Patients must be promptly informed about closures with clear guidance and support to help them transition smoothly to new pharmacies. Automatic transfer of prior authorizations is required for medications affected by closed Rite Aid locations. Special attention must be given to expedite approvals for specialty and controlled substances to avoid treatment delays.
Pharmacy benefit managers are directed to reimburse pharmacies fairly when taking on displaced patients. Steering patients toward select providers or mail-order services is prohibited under Delaware law. Officials emphasize that these measures are especially critical for rural and underserved communities that may face significant challenges due to pharmacy shortages. These emergency policies will remain in place for 120 days unless renewed. The Department of Insurance will oversee compliance and may provide additional instructions as necessary.
