Hurricane Ian Situation Report #12
This report provides an assessment of the impacts to healthcare and public health due to Hurricane Ian. After today’s situation report, the cadence for releasing the reports will be every other day.
Note: Green text indicates new or updated content in this report compared to the previous report.
Healthcare Ready's Posture
Healthcare Ready is ENGAGED for the response to Hurricane Ian. We are tracking potential impacts to healthcare infrastructure and supply chain, sharing information via situation reports, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Our pharmacy operating status map Rx Open is updated every other day for pharmacies and dialysis centers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico
High-Level Situation Summary
As of 10/9, areas hit hardest by Hurricane Ian, such as Pine Island and Fort Meyers Beach, are starting to be cleared for residents to return. Power restoration has improved drastically, however about 20,000 residents remain without power as of 10/9 (with over 17,000 located in Lee County), signaling a greater need for equity considerations to restore critically needed infrastructure in Lee County. In parts of Naples and Ft. Meyers, residents of historically African American neighborhoods such as Dunbar and River Park remain without access to necessary resources (water, power, and transportation) to treat medical conditions and access healthcare or other social services. Further, delays to restoring public transportation and long distances to shelters (the nearest shelter to River Park is 11 miles away) or disaster recovery centers (approximately a 10-25 minute drive) compound the impacts of Ian, placing the lives and health of individuals at greater risk.
These areas are a part of southwest Florida counties that were among the hardest hit by Ian (including Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties) where restoration efforts have prioritized bringing essential infrastructure and large-scale healthcare operations back online. Restoring access to healthcare and other critically needed services for historically underserved communities will require additional support and the assurance of resources for FQHCs, clinics, and other essential institutions that are necessary for long-term recovery.
Highlights
- In Florida, there are 17 pharmacy closures reported on rxopen.org as of 2:00pm EDT on 10/9.
- Since 10/7, there have been three dialysis centers closed all in Florida (Cape Coral (2), Fort Myers (1)).
- Lee County, Florida, still has about 17k customers out of power as of 10/9. Power restoration continues to improve across other Ian-affected areas.
- Since 10/6, parts of 21 counties still remain under boil water advisories.
- Free telehealth services continue to be available for patients in impacted areas. See the “Healthcare Response Updates and Needs” section for more details.
- Public transportation in certain areas are still taking longer to return to normal operations, which may impact residents’ abilities to get access to food, or regular medications.
- As of 10/9, fares for all Collier Area Transit (CAT) services will be waived until further notice.
- As of 10/9 bus fares for LeeTran servicing Dunbar in Fort Myers will be waived until further notice (limited bus service began on 10/7).
- Disaster Recovery Centers, staffed by state, federal, and volunteer organizations are open and accessible for individuals seeking recovery information. An additional location in Collier County was opened on 10/8.
- For the latest local updates, including detailed information on fuel, water, and other resource sites, visit the governor’s website and floridadisaster.biz/currentdisasterupdates for more information.
- Location of POD sites distributing food, water, and ice are updated daily at FLGOV.COM.
- UPS, FedEx, and USPS are still experiencing service impacts, for communities on Pine and Sanibel Island which were cut off to road access.
- Federal, state, and local agencies are urging citizens to be aware of the possibility of fraud, scams, and cybersecurity threats following Hurricane Ian.
Assessment of Healthcare and Logistics Impacts
Emergency Declarations and Measures
- General
- No changes or updates since 10/7.
- On 9/28, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) issued a Regional Emergency Declaration for Alabama, Florida, Georgie, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The order will remain in effect until the end of the emergency, or 10/28.
- Florida
- On 9/24, President Biden approved Florida’s Emergency Declaration and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts, which was amended on 10/5 to provide additional disaster assistance for another 30 days. President Biden authorized an extension of federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, includinzg direct federal assistance at 100% of the total eligible costs. On 9/30, FEMA announced that additional Florida counties are able to apply for Individual Assistance.
- On 10/1, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
- On 10/5, Florida State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 22-05, which authorizes out-of-state psychologists, mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists holding a valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered license to provide care, including telehealth.
- On 9/28, the Florida State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 22-004, which authorizes out-of-state professionals in good standing to practice in Florida for 30 days. Professions include physicians, registered nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and others.
- On 9/26, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Declared a Public Health Emergency for Florida. This declaration includes a Waiver or Modification of Requirements under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act (SSA). An 1135 Waiver waives or modifies requirements under the SSA to increase access to care.
- As of 9/24, Florida declared a State of Emergency for the entire state of Florida.
- On 9/24, Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released Emergency Order 09422 to waive additional registration and hours-of-service requirements for vehicles providing emergency services or supplies in Florida.
- Florida Law, Section 252.358, outlines prescription refills under an Executive Order and allows for early prescription refills.
- South Carolina
- On 9/30, President Biden approved a federal Emergency Declaration for all 46 counties of South Carolina.
- On 9/28, South Carolina declared a State of Emergency, which is set to expire on 10/15.
- North Carolina
- On 9/30, President Biden approved a federal Emergency Declaration for all 100 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
- On 9/28 North Carolina declared a State of Emergency, which will expire on 10/28.
- Georgia
- On 9/29 Georgia declared a State of Emergency, which will expire on 10/28.
- Virginia
- On 9/28 Virginia declared a State of Emergency, which will expire on 10/27.
Critical Infrastructure Impacts
- Power
- Florida
- As of 10:00am EDT on 10/9, nearly 21,000 Florida customers are without power. Most outages are in Lee County.
- Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) and Lee County Electric Cooperative report the highest number of outages.
- Long-term outages may be reported across the state for customers who will not be able to receive power due to damage or flooding. In these cases, electrical systems will need to be inspected by licensed electricians to determine if repairs are needed before power can be restored.
- Florida
- Fuel
- Those looking for fuel and gas are encouraged to use Gas Buddy, to search for open stations and providers using crowdsourced information.
- On 10/8, FDEM opened an additional fuel depot on Pine Island, for a total of ten (10) fuel depots throughout Central and Southwest Florida. These fuel depots are providing fuel to first responders. Restoration crews are also now able to access fuel depots to continue supporting ongoing restorations.
- Two (2) public, mobile fuel depots are open; one in Dunbar, Fort Myers and one in Arcadia to provide fuel for vehicles and gas cans for generators to impacted residents.
- As of 10/4, all ports and terminals are open for fuel and many gas stations have begun receiving shipments.
- Water
- As of 10/9, parts of 21 counties are still under boil water advisories. Residents are encouraged to reach out to local utility or county emergency contacts for the most up-to-date information.
- FDEM continues to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to conduct infrastructure assessments of water and wastewater treatment plants.
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are also assessing water and wastewater infrastructure across impacted areas including Fort Meyers Beach, Pine Island, Sanibel Island, and Gasparilla Island.
- FL DEP is operating two (2) mobile testing labs from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to aid with processing drinking water and surface water samples.
- FL DEP and FlaWARN are coordinating to distribute generators, fuel, and pump trucks to support water and wastewater facilities in returning operations as soon as possible.
- On 10/8, there were 14 Points of Distribution (PODs) sites open across 4 counties helping to distribute bottles of water for safe drinking.
- FDEM has deployed over 4,000 gallons of diesel to Lee County to power water plants that bring water to hospitals.
- Communications
- Florida
- According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
- As of 12pm EDT 10/8, FCC is reporting status for three counties in Florida: Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee. Cell site outages in all three counties have reduced significantly, with 2, 1, and 23 cell sites now out in those areas, respectively. (Nine of the 23 in Lee County are still out due to power.) Across all three counties, 28 cell sites are up but are running on back-up power.
- As of 10/8, three FM stations are reported as being out of service. All TV stations and AM stations are back in service.
- 911 calls are being answered in all areas. Calls to Sanibel Police Department Headquarters are being rerouted to another Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
- The (FCC) may grant Special Temporary Authority (STA) to permit immediate or temporary operation of certain radio facilities during emergencies or other urgent conditions, https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-387932A1.pdf as well as waivers to support emergency communications and service restoration.
- Verizon’s crisis response team is providing free communications support to public safety agencies responding to the hurricane by setting up portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, free charging stations and other services. As of 10/7, Verizon small business and individual customers in the following areas will continue to receive unlimited calling, texting, and mobile data through 10/21L Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties.
- As of 10/7, T-Mobile’s community support teams have set up Wi-fi and device charging stations in various locations in Fort Myers and Port Charlotte, and have extended unlimited talk, text, and data for customers in Charlotte, DeSoto, and Lee counties through 10/12.
- As of 10/8, Comcast’s Xfinity WiFi van in Bonita Springs is providing free Wifi for all residents and businesses regardless of whether they are customers. Vans are currently stationed at Walmart locations in Fort Meyers, Port Charlotte, Naples, and at the Bonita Spring Public Library at 2687 Pine Ave. As of 10/4, Comcast suspended billing for all Sanibel, Pine Island, and Captiva residents.
- AT&T has waived talk, text, and data overage charges for Postpaid and Prepaid customers with billing addresses in the Florida zip codes (828) through 10/28.
- According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
- Florida
- Transportation
- Road Closures and Travel Updates
- Florida 511 has real-time traffic conditions and incident information.
- As of 10/6, Pine Island Rd, which connects Pine Island to Ft. Myers, is open to residents, emergency workers, utility providers, and relief personnel.
- Hurricane Ian destroyed a section of the Sanibel Causeway connecting Sanibel Island and Captiva to mainland Florida, cutting off the only access to the barrier island. The Sanibel Causeway bridge remains closed as of 10/9.
- The Florida Department of Transportation is expediting the process to restore the Sanibel Causeway, with the goal to build the temporary bridge by the end of October. Once the short-term, immediate recovery efforts have been made, then they will focus on the long-term repairs.
- Road Closures and Travel Updates
Access and Reentry
- No updates since 9/30.
- Florida
- Florida’s access and re-entry plans and policies are managed by local officials, working closely with Florida’s Division of Emergency Management. During a disaster, private sector companies should coordinate with the Division of Emergency Management, in addition to local health departments and local emergency managers to assess whether they are authorized to enter an impacted area, only after it has been deemed safe enough to do so.
- Individuals who wish to enter the disaster area must have the following on hand:
- Valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport)Proof of employment (employer credentials, document on company letterhead)
- Demonstrated need to enter the area (work order, inventory list, employer authorization)
- Note, DHS CISA’s Access Coordination Letter is not an acceptable document to enter any disaster areas in Florida.
- North Carolina
- North Carolina requires pre-registration of vendors who provide critical services and goods before they attempt to enter disaster areas. These vendors must apply for a Certificate of Post Disaster Re-entry to be able to enter areas impacted by disasters. Information on applying for this certificate can be found at this North Carolina Business Emergency Operations Center site. Final decisions about entry/re-entry are still under the authority of local governments.
- South Carolina
- South Carolina requires business to register for post-disaster reentry certification before they attempt to enter impacted areas. Business can register for the program with the SC Emergency Management Division and SC Department of Commerce. Final decisions about entry/re-entry are still under the authority of local governments.
Healthcare Response Updates and Needs
- Healthcare Facilities
- FACHC asks Florida’s Health Centers to report their status and resources needed using the Live Response Tool or by contacting 850-591-1832 or gianna@fachc.org.
- The Agency for Health Care Administration for the State of Florida is collecting health facility status. All licensees providing residential or inpatient services are asked to update status via the Health Facility Reporting System.
- As of 10/9, Sarasota Memorial’s freestanding Emergency Department in North Port remains closed due to damages, and the North Port Family Practice and Venice Medical Office Building also remain closed due to power outages.
- As of 10/7, while the HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte remains temporarily closed, the HCA Florida Care Coral Emergency Room, a part of the HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, has re-opened, and emergency services at the Emergency Room are available 24/7.
- As of 10/9, AdventHealth’s home care, hospice, home infusion, and respiratory equipment services returned to normal operations. Most urgent care centers, primary care centers, and other specialty facilities have reopened, however patients in Central or West Florida are advised to call the location to confirm hours before traveling. Specific updates for hospitals in impacted areas are below.
- Hospitals:
- AdventHealth Sebring is open, but as of 10/9, outpatient services are currently unavailable.
- AdventHealth North Pinellas has reopened, but some services may still be unavailable.
- AdventHealth Medical Group: As of 10/7, all AdventHealth Medical Group Practices in Flagler and Volusia Counties are closed for both in-person and virtual care.
- Urgent Care: Centra Care Locations with no reported opening hours: Titusville, Lake Mary, Daytona, Port Orange, and Brandon, Centra Care Kids Lake Mary.
- Sports Med and Rehab: As of 10/7, locations with no reported opening hours: Daytona, DeLand Stetson, Fish Memorial/Orange Park, Horizon West, Innovation Tower, Kissimmee, Wekiva, New Smyrna Beach Campus, Orange Ave (SoDo), Palm Coast Parkway, Pediatrics Winter Park, Port Orange Health Park, West Lakes Early Learning Center, and Winter Park.
- Primary Care: As of 10/7, locations with no reported opening hours: Lakeland and Orlando – Training Center.
- Orthopedics: no locations reporting opening hours as of 10/5.
- Hospitals:
- As of 10/5, NCH status updates on services and open locations are posted online.
- NCH Virtual Care is accessible to anyone in the community at no cost, 24-hours per day, 7 days a week for two weeks following Ian. Use the coupon code “NCH”.
- For patients who do not have internet access, the NHC Employee Medical Center in the Greentree Plaza is open from 7:00am-7:00pm for patients to use Wi-Fi.
- As of 10/6, all Lee Health hospitals and emergency departments are fully operational. Elective surgeries that do not require overnight stays are expected to resume on 10/10. A full list of reopenings across all Lee Health facilities can be found here).
- DispatchHealth, a mobile care service, is offering home visits for Lee Health patients with injuries or illnesses that are not life-threatening. It is available in Lee County from 8:00am-8:00pm. Contact DispatchHealth by calling 239-301-3730.
- Lee Health TeleHealth remains free for the foreseeable future, and is available 24/7 through the Lee TeleHealth app. Patients without internet access can contact 855-635-1393.
- As of 10/4, all hospitals and non-hospitals operated by BayCare are open.
- BayCare is offering 1 free telehealth visit for all registered users of BayCareAnywhere though 10/12. Initiate a telehealth visit in the BayCareAnywhere app and use the code “IAN”.
- Assistance is available for patients who are in need of durable medical equipment, including oxygen, walkers, wheelchairs, or CPAP. Patients should call 1-800-940-5151, option 3.
- GoodRx is offering free telehealth appointments to Florida residents affected by Hurricane Ian through 10/17.
- As of 10/4, Walmart Health Centers in Tampa and Orlando continue to offer complimentary sick or injury exams. Make appointments at walmarthealth.com or walk-in. Health and Wellness Service Locations can be found at this link.
- Emergency Medical Services
- No updates as of 10/7.
- As of 10/5, Disaster Medical Assistance Team’s (DMATs) are currently in place at Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital.
- Florida Department of Health’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support continues to support patient movement requests and special need shelter requests.
- Several emergency response organizations, including fire departments, mass care specialists, and other volunteers or task forces, deployed to Florida (and remain on the ground) to assist with emergency medical services in response to Ian.
- Pharmacy
- Rx Open is activated for Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It was last updated on 10/9 at 2:00pm EDT and is showing 17 pharmacy closures across the impacted states, with closures primarily in Florida.
- Please see the table outlining pharmacy statuses per state below:
- OptumRx provided guidance to customers for rerouting existing prescription deliveries to new addresses.
- Pharmacy deliveries via Express Scripts may arrive late as recovery operations continue.
- Dialysis
- As of 10/7, three dialysis centers remain closed in Florida.
- In Florida, several facilities are on generator power and/or connected to water tankers. Damage has been reported at some facilities, but overall damage is minimal.
- See Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER’s) Hurricane Ian webpage to share information with the dialysis community.
- Network 7: HSAG Florida ESRD Network
Helpline: 800.826.3773 - Network 8: Alliant ESRD Network 8
Helpline: 877.936.9260
- Network 7: HSAG Florida ESRD Network
Public Health Impacts
- Infectious illnesses
- With people entering and/or remaining in shelters due to the hurricane, there is an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
- As of 10/9, CDC reports 10,793 total COVID-19 cases (higher than 10/6), an average of 218 new hospital admissions (lower than 10/6), and 49 deaths over the past seven days in Florida.
- As of 10/9, there are 2,672 confirmed Monkeypox cases in Florida (higher than reported on 10/6).
- With people entering and/or remaining in shelters due to the hurricane, there is an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
- Chemicals/Flood Water
- Gas and diesel can generate carbon monoxide when generators are not properly used. This can cause dizziness, headaches, and other negative health effects. Breathing can also be impacted by mold and pollutants in the air. Practice safe generator usage to decrease risk of health implications.
- Mosquito-borne illnesses
- Stagnant water that pools and develops in the aftermath of hurricanes can promote an increase in mosquitos and other insects that carry illnesses.
- There are several key methods for protection, including: wear long sleeve shirts and pants, use EPA-registered insect repellant, and drain water from outdoor containers when possible.
- Stagnant water that pools and develops in the aftermath of hurricanes can promote an increase in mosquitos and other insects that carry illnesses.
- Waterborne hazards
- Waterborne hazards are common after a hurricane because of the high amounts of water that buildup post storm and flood. Experts recommend avoiding drinking tap water, using water filters when possible, and to refrain from walking through flood waters when possible.
- According to the Governor’s office, Florida Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance has been informing health care providers about the increase in vibrio vulnificus infections due to exposure to flood and standing waters caused by Hurricane Ian.
- Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by animal urine contaminating water sources. Avoiding exposure to contaminated is the best way to prevent the bacterial disease.
- Waterborne diseases, like Cholera, are not expected to threaten impacted areas due to low prevalence prior to Ian.
- Waterborne hazards are common after a hurricane because of the high amounts of water that buildup post storm and flood. Experts recommend avoiding drinking tap water, using water filters when possible, and to refrain from walking through flood waters when possible.
- Mental health
- Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. The state has compiled a list of mental health resources at https://www.floridadisaster.org/dem/recovery/disaster-mental-health-resources/.
- The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers a free mental health helpline for first responders and their loved ones. The program focuses on Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Firefighters, police officers, emergency care providers and other first responders can reach the program by filling out a web form at lasttoask.com and can receive confidential support by calling 1-866-435-4376 (1-866-4FL-HERO).
- Florida Blue is offering free virtual doctors’ visits and a bilingual emotional support helpline for Floridians impacted by Ian at 855-225-5032 for visits, and the helpline at 833-848-1764 for emotional support. Both lines are available 24/7.
- The Florida Behavioral Health Association provides a list of helplines offered to Floridians in various counties, including an Aspire Health Partners helpline that residents of Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties can call at 407-875-3700, ext. 2.
- The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that is available to veterans 24/7. The service is available to all veterans, even if you are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. You can call 800-273-8255 ext. 1, text 838255, contact the veterans crisis chat, or dial 988 ext.1
- The Hurricane Ian disaster recovery hotline is available for mental health needs, disability services, military and veteran assistance, and other needs.
- Individuals may call or text 211 to be connected with help for physical and mental health needs and assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
- The SAMSHA Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 is open 24/7 to provide immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress. The Helpline is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential and is available to all residents in US and its territories via phone or text. Deaf or hard of hearing callers can utilize a videophone or ASL Now.
- Other
- Persons found and reported safe can be reported at safe.fl.gov.
- This website is for reporting missing persons related to Hurricane Ian.
- US government agencies have shared that routine non-criminal immigration enforcement operations will not be conducted at evacuation sites or assistance centers.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents in FEMA disaster-declared counties whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Ian.
Supply Chain
- Manufacturing
- No updates as of 10/7.
- Manufacturers in Florida have not reported any major impacts. There are no expected impacts to Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina supply chain.
- Distribution
- As of 10/9, UPS is continuing to report that most UPS facilities are operational as conditions permit. There will still be no pickups or deliveries today in zip codes listed below . Disruptions in service to Pine Island may decrease soon as a temporary bridge restoring road access to the island has been established as of 10/6.
- 33924 – Captiva
- 33957 – Sanibel
- 33931 – Fort Myers
- 33956 – St. James
- 33922 – Bokeelia
- As of 10/9, FedEx is still reporting delays and disruptions for inbound and outbound shipments across impacted areas. FedEx Express, Ground, and Freight have temporarily suspended service in a number of cities in Florida.
- Service is temporarily suspended in Bokeelia, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Saint James City, Sanibel, and Cape Coral.
- As of 10/7, US Postal Service reports that 12 facilities remain temporarily closed until further notice. Each of the 12 facilities have an alternate location provided.
- As of 10/9, UPS is continuing to report that most UPS facilities are operational as conditions permit. There will still be no pickups or deliveries today in zip codes listed below . Disruptions in service to Pine Island may decrease soon as a temporary bridge restoring road access to the island has been established as of 10/6.
Resource Staging
- Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) is identifying locations and resource needs for Points of Distribution (POD).
- 14 POD sites are listed as open today.
- POD locations are open today in the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Lee, and Sarasota.
- On 10/8 Governor DeSantis announced a new Disaster Recovery Center opened in Collier County. These centers are operated by the Department of Economic Opportunity, in conjunction with more than 10 agencies, to provide a one-stop shop for individuals or businesses that need help recovering from Ian. Locations are listed below:
- Charlotte County
- Home Deport (Mobile DRC): 12621 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33981
- Collier County
- Veterans Community Park: 1895 Veterans Drive, Naples, FL 34109
- Sarasota County
- Shannon Staub Library: 4675 Career Lane; North Port, FL 34289
- Lee County
- Joseph P.D Alessandro Office Complex: 2295 Victoria Ave.; Ft. Myers, FL 33901
- Lakes Regional Library: 15290 Bass Road; Fort Myers, FL 33919
- Charlotte County
- The USACE has activated Operation Blue Roof to provide temporary tarp-like covering to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. This service is free to homeowners, and the initial sign-up period is set for 21 days, ending on October 23. Five counties are currently eligible: Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Collier, DeSoto.
- As of 10/6, President Biden granted an additional 30 days of federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective actions, ensuring the first 60 days of response and recovery are all federally funded.
- A mobile, public fueling station opened on 10/4 in Lee County at the Stars Complex to provide fuel for vehicles and gas cans for generators to impacted residents.
Emergency Prescription Refills
- No updates as of 10/7.
- Florida
- As of 9/24, early prescription refills are permitted under the State of Emergency. Opioids are considered a controlled substance, and therefore excluded from emergency prescription refill laws.
- You can obtain a 30-day refill of your prescription medication – even if you have just refilled it – if you reside in a county that:
- Is under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service;
- Is under a state of emergency executive order declared by the Governor; or
- Has activated its emergency operations center/emergency management plan.
- About 13% of Florida’s population is uninsured. The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) is the federal program that provides medication coverage for uninsured patients, but the program has not yet been activated. The uninsured population under age 65 in areas impacted by Ian is especially high:
- Hendry County: 27.6%
- DeSoto County: 25.4%
- Lee County: 19.3%
- Collier County: 17.9%
- Charlotte County: 16.9%
- Sarasota County: 15.8%
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented the 1812 Waiver and 1135 Waiver in response to the Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration. These waivers and modifications are intended to ensure individual pharmaceutical and medical needs are met during emergency and disaster situations.
- As of 9/29, individuals that live in one of the 67 impacted counties who have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (Florida Blue and Truli) memberships can access early prescription refills for maintenance medications through 10/24/2022.
- People impacted can receive a 30-day supply.
- Teledoc, the virtual healthcare system is available for $0 cost to those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
- Patients can call 855-225-5032 to reach doctors 24/7 for basic care and prescriptions and prescription refills that are not controlled substances.
- As of 9/29, Humana Healthy Horizons™ in Florida will provide special accommodations for prescription access until the PHE declaration has ended, and or, 30 days has passed since the initial event.
- As of 9/28, Cigna has lifted certain medical and benefit pharmacy restrictions.
- As of 9/28, Molina Healthcare of Florida is suspending all prior authorization requirements for prescription refills until the state of emergency is lifted.
Evacuations and Curfews
- Evacuations:
- As of 10/9, the following Florida counties remain under mandatory evacuation orders: Lee County and Osceola County.
- As of 10/9, Seminole County still remains under a voluntary evacuation order.
- Curfews:
- As of 10/9 in Lee county, a curfew remains in place from 9pm to 6am daily on Pine Island and Captiva. The countywide curfew has been lifted.
- Beginning the evening of 10/6, the City of Sanibel transitions to a 7:00pm-7:00am mandatory curfew. During curfew hours, residents should not be on the island, even in their homes.
- As of 10/4, the City of Sanibel began issuing Hurricane Re-Entry Passes for residents and business owners to grant temporary re-entry to the island.
- As of 10/9, the City of Kissimmee in Osceola County has issued a mandatory curfew from 9pm to 6am.
- From local news sources:
- Cape Coral’s curfew remains in effect from 9pm-6am.
- The City of Bonita Spring has rescinded the citywide curfew. The Bonita Beach area curfew, including the areas in Big Hickory Island and Little Hickory Island, is still in place from 7pm-7am.
- A mandatory curfew is in place for all unincorporated Collier County from 12am-6am. City of Naples curfew begins at 10pm-6am. for residential neighborhoods until further notice.
- The curfew for Charlotte County has been amended to 10pm-6am, effective immediately.
Sheltering
- On 10/8, FDEM announced that the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program was activated in partnership with FEMA in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. Under the program, impacted residents who applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to shelter in a hotel or motel paid by FEMA.
- As of 10/9, Florida Disaster Maps shows there are 8 general population shelters and 3 Special Needs Shelters open in the state.
- The American Health Care Association (AHCA) activated the Emergency Patient Look-Up System (E-PLUS), which can be utilized by special needs shelters for 16 counties to retrieve patient medical records.
- Full list and map of shelters open in Florida can be found on the Florida SERT site.
- A list of open American Red Cross shelters can be found here.
