The state has published an amended regulation to ensure coverage of over-the-counter mosquito repellents for Medicaid recipients as a way to protect against the Zika virus.
The Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance issued the regulation Aug. 1. It is effective for services provided on and after July 1.
Over-the-counter insect repellents are usually not covered by Medicaid. But the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently allowed states to cover mosquito repellents for Medicaid recipients when prescribed by an authorized health professional.
Zika is spread primarily through a mosquito bite, though it also can be sexually transmitted or passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Since there is no vaccine available for Zika, the major means of prevention currently available are mosquito control and protection against mosquito bites.
Mosquito repellents applied to the skin can aid in preventing infection of the Zika virus. The Centers for Disease Control recommends people use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
“Our message to Medicaid beneficiaries and their providers is that the Delaware Medicaid program recognizes the serious public health threat the Zika virus presents,” said Stephen Groff, Director of the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. “We are pleased that we can now provide coverage for certain mosquito repellent products when prescribed by health practitioners.”
Added Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, “Every bit of prevention matters when it comes to fighting disease. Whether someone is traveling abroad or at home, Public Health always recommends using mosquito repellent and welcomes this new rule.”
The change comes as the continental U.S. has seen its first cases of local Zika transmission from mosquito bites in Florida. Delaware has 11 confirmed Zika cases, all adults and related to mosquito bites abroad. The latest case, confirmed this week, involves a New Castle County male who contracted the illness while traveling abroad this summer. Pregnancy is not an issue for any of the Delaware cases.
The virus can result in severe birth defects that could result in millions of dollars in lifetime care per patient.
The probability of Zika moving to local mosquito populations in Delaware is not high but is also not out of the question.
Florida health officials are now taking aggressive measures in an area in Miami.
