HomeMy WebLinkAboutE.O. No. 20-085 - Emergency Management - COVID-19: Telehealth and Immunizations for State Group InsuranceSTATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 20-85
(Emergency Management — COVID-19 — Telehealth and Immunizations for State Group
Insurance)
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-51 directing the Florida
Department of Health to issue a Public Health Emergency; and
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2020, the State Surgeon General and State Health Officer
declared a Public Health Emergency exists in the State of Florida as a result of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-52 declaring a state of
emergency for the entire State of Florida as a result of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory
illness that can be transmitted among humans through respiratory transmission and presents with
symptoms similar to those of influenza;
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, President Donald J. Trump and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention ("CDC") issued the "15 Days to Slow the Spread" guidance advising
individuals to adopt far-reaching social distancing measures, such as working from home and
avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people; and
WHEREAS, the CDC also recommends consulting your healthcare provider if
individuals or members of your household are at high risk for COVID-19 complications, show
symptoms of COVID-19, or have otherwise been exposed to the virus; and
WHEREAS, the CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive the
influenza (flu) vaccine; and
WHEREAS, the flu can lead to more serious respiratory diseases that can result in
hospitalization or death and individuals with certain health conditions are at a higher risk of flu
complications, including many of the same high -risk indicators for COVID-19 complications;
and
WHEREAS, State Employees across Florida are working tirelessly to support the
COVID-19 response effort by providing mission critical support to protect all Floridians; and
WHEREAS, the State Group Insurance Program (SGI) provides coverage to State
Employees and their dependents; and
WHEREAS, Current SGI coverage includes preventive and sick visits through in -person
physician office visits, therefore limiting patient access to care; and
WHEREAS, the SGI also provides coverage for immunizations administered by a
participating provider, including the flu, which are included on the Advisory Committee for
Immunization Practices recommendations list based on a member's age and condition; and
WHEREAS, all SGI plan providers have in -network or contracted, Florida -licensed
telehealth providers ready to provide health care services effective immediately which would
allow state employees to remain in their homes, if sick, and avoid exposure to other sick
individuals; or, if not sick, to attend physician appointments without fear of exposure to others;
and
WHEREAS, as Governor, I am responsible for protecting our state and the health and
safety of its residents;
2
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by Article IV, Section (1)(a) of the Florida Constitution, Chapter 252,
Florida Statutes, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order to take
immediate effect:
Section 1. Telehealth
A. I suspend the relevant portions of section 110.123, Florida Statutes, and direct the
Secretary of the Department of Management Services to amend the state employee health
benefits plan documents effective immediately through the expiration of Executive Order 20-52,
including any extensions, to include telehealth services at no additional cost to employees.
B. I suspend the relevant portions of section 110.12315, Florida Statutes, and direct
the Secretary of the Department of Management Services to amend the state employee pharmacy
benefits plan documents effective immediately through the expiration of Executive Order 20-52,
including any extensions, to include telehealth services, as appropriate, to employees
participating in the SGI plan.
C. I hereby direct the Department of Management Services, Division of State Group
Insurance, to ensure that all state employees have access to telehealth services through the state's
contracted HMO plans and PPO organization plan without cost sharing effective immediately
through the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions.
Section 2. Immunizations
A. I suspend the relevant portions of section 110.123, Florida Statutes, and direct the
Secretary of the Department of Management Services to amend the state employee health plan
benefits plan documents effective immediately through the expiration of Executive Order 20-52,
including any extensions, to provide employees participating in the State Employees' Group
Insurance Program the option to receive immunizations covered by the employee's plan in either
a participating physician's office pursuant to the participant's current PPO Plan Group Health
Insurance Plan Booklet or a participant's current HMO contract, or a participating pharmacy in
the State Employees' pharmacy benefit manager's network.
B. I hereby direct the Department of Management Services, Division of State Group
Insurance, to ensure that all cost sharing that would have been applicable to state employees
seeking immunization services under this Executive Order for the influenza vaccination be
waived effective immediately through the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any
extensions.
Section 3. This Executive Order shall expire upon the expiration of Executive Order
20-52, including any extensions.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of
Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, this 26th day of
March, 2020.
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ON� DESANTIS, GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
S C TARY OF STATE
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