Hurricane Dorian Update

A Message from Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, MD, MPH
State Health Director, Chief Medical Officer, NC DHHS

Like you, we are hard at work preparing to support North Carolinians who may be impacted by Hurricane Dorian. We have taken several actions to make it as easy as possible for people to access vital supports that may be needed before, during and after the storm. We would greatly appreciate if you would help get this information to the people it will benefit. Please share with your networks and in your outreach efforts. As new supports are available, we will send updated emails.

People receiving Medicaid can fill prescriptions early

Effective September 3, Medicaid is allowing for early refills of prescriptions. NC Medicaid enrolled pharmacy providers have been approved to fill these prescriptions early and will follow applicable co-pay requirements. This early refill is being allowed while the Governor’s State of Emergency order remains in place to ensure that all Medicaid beneficiaries have access to necessary medications.

Medication assisted treatment is available

Individuals receiving medication assisted treatment from an opioid treatment program may take home additional doses for treatment or receive guest-dosing at another licensed opioid treatment program. Other locations can be found in the Central Registry.

Shelter for medically fragile patients is open

A 50-bed State Medical Support Shelter (SMSS) for medically fragile patients is now open in Clayton. Individuals who need active monitoring, management or intervention from a medical professional to maintain their health must contact their county emergency management office to request placement in the SMSS.

Behavioral health services are available

Anyone in need of or receiving behavioral health care who are uninsured or are a Medicaid beneficiary can access care by calling their regional behavioral health Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO). They can also call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. It is available year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Shelters are accessible and supportive of those with behavioral illnesses or intellectual and developmental disabilities

DHHS is working with its partners so that shelters have, for example, calming rooms to support individuals with autism or other disabilities, when a congregant setting may not be conducive for their wellbeing.

Department of Health and Human Services has launched a Hurricane Dorian webpage with resources.

In the Works

The Department is in the process of:

• Seeking authorization to provide early refills of medications needed by HIV patients.
• Developing a waiver to offer Disaster SNAP benefits if a presidential individual assistance declaration of a disaster is declared. Waivers are drafted and are ready for storm specific data which will expedite North Carolina’s submission for a Disaster SNAP program, allowing for timely distribution of food assistance.
• Taking the necessary steps to ensure pregnant women, infants and young children have access to WIC benefits.
• Ensuring shelters have access to live-saving Naloxone in the event of opioid misuse.
• Securing assistive technology devices and equipment to help individuals who are displaced due to the storm or who have devices or equipment that is destroyed or lost.