Anthem Blue Cross announced that they were temporarily revising some of their health insurance guidelines for residents in Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties impacted by the Napa earthquake. Important for Anthem Blue Cross members in these counties is that they can see any physician for necessary health care, urgent care and emergency room services even if the provider is out-of-network for the member. They state the claims will paid as if they provider was in-network.
Blue Cross eases guidelines for Napa earthquake victims
In addition, members whose prescriptions were lost or damaged by the earthquake can get refills at any pharmacy. Durable Medical Equipment, such as walkers or wheelchairs, lost or damaged can be replaced. Blue Cross will be extending the claims filing deadline for the residents affected in these counties and waiving any penalties associated with utilization management review of in-hospital cases. The temporary revision to the rules and guidelines is effective through September 8, 2014 and applies to all individual and family plans, small and large groups.
Anthem Blue Cross earthquake announcement
Alert: Help for Anthem members impacted by the earthquake in the California counties of Napa, Solana and Sonoma
August 25, 2014
A state of emergency has been declared in several California counties due to the effects of a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Napa Valley. Continued aftershocks have damaged critical infrastructure, homes and other structures and caused fires and the closure of roads and highways. There have been revised medical and pharmacy guidelines implemented to help our members in this area get the care they need. The revised guidelines include:
- Affected members can see any physician necessary to provide them access to care
- All urgent care and emergency claims will be paid as in-network, regardless of whether or not the health care provider is in our network
- Those on a prescription drug plan who have lost or damaged medication can get refills at any pharmacy now
- Medical equipment (also called Durable Medical Equipment or DME) can be replaced if it was lost or damaged
- Claims filing deadlines will be extended
- Waiving the notification penalty on utilization management (UM) review of in-hospital cases
Your clients can see the above list of temporary changes on our member websites. If they have questions, they can call the Member Services number on their ID card.This article applies to: Small Group, Large Group, and Individual (under 65) California
- If you have any questions, please contact your Anthem representative.
- Timing – These guidelines are for members impacted and living in the California counties of Napa, Solano, and Sonoma. They will be in effect immediately through September 8th, 2014 — but could be extended as the need arises.
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