For immediate release: August 29, 2011
Contact: Leigh Tofferi  (802) 371-3254

Berlin, VT -- BlueCross and BlueShield of Vermont (BCBSVT) has suspended the standard timing limits on pharmacy prescription refills for its members in response to the recent extreme flooding in Vermont and throughout New England. This action ensures that members displaced from their homes without their medications are able to refill their prescriptions early if necessary.

 “We do not want this natural disaster to make our members interrupt any of their medications explained BCBSVT Chief Medical Officer Robert Wheeler. “Missing medication doses can cause abrupt worsening of some medical conditions. This administrative action will help members continue their treatment and avoid complications.”

Members may refill their prescriptions at their regular pharmacies. If their regular pharmacy is not accessible, they should use another pharmacy rather than go without medication. To assure accuracy, the alternate pharmacy may examine the most recent prescription container, contact the regular pharmacy for details, or accept a new prescription from the member’s physician. The suspension of usual limits will continue for at least the next week. BCBSVT will monitor disaster recovery progress to guide the return to normal operations.

Members who have questions can call the BCBSVT customer service number printed on the back of their member ID card.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the state’s only Vermont-based health insurer and is the largest private health plan in Vermont.  The non-profit company employs more than 340 people and provides health care benefits for more than 150,000 Vermonters.  The company offers benefits and services to virtually all Vermont populations through its array of products and through its partner companies, The Vermont Health Plan (TVHP) and Comprehensive Benefits Administrators. More information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is available on the Internet at www.bcbsvt.com   Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.