Nov 14, 2018
Anthem Blue Cross is revising their medical and pharmacy guidelines to help members impacted by the wildfires in Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties. Anthem is also offering their EAP and telehealth resources free to all impacted residents. Anthem is doing the following for members:
- Relaxing time limits for prior authorization, pre-certification, and referral requirements
- Suspending early refill limits for prescriptions
- Allowing replacement of medical equipment or supplies
- Extending filing deadlines for claims
These medical and pharmacy guidelines are effective from November 9, 2018 to December 9, 2018, unless further extended. Relaxed benefits don’t apply to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement plans, or Medicare Part D. Anthem’s EAP is providing resources, at no cost, to all residents of Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties who have been impacted by the wild fires. Support services are available to help with emotionally stressful situations as well as with financial and legal concerns. Anthem’s EAP tools will be available 24/7 through the EAP crisis line (877) 208-8240 or by visiting anthemeap.com and using the login code “cawildfires.” Residents can access Anthem’s 24/7 telehealth service, LiveHealth Online, via the LiveHealth Online app and the website at livehealthonline.com. LiveHealth Online offers video visits with U.S.-based board certified doctors on a mobile device or computer for non-emergency health conditions. Anyone in California who downloads the mobile app or registers at livehealthonline.com can visit with a doctor for free by selecting the “Help for Wildfires Medical” practice. The free visit offer is available through November 18, 2018. The Anthem Foundation has partnered with the American Red Cross as a $1 million-level member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program, as well as providing grants to organizations, such as AmeriCares, Direct Relief, and Portlight Strategies. The Anthem Foundation will donate $25,000 to the United Way of Northern California to support the NorCal Fire Relief Fund and $25,000 to the United Way of Ventura County to support 2-1-1 services.
