The recent hurricanes in Florida and Texas have created complications for those needing healthcare services in damaged areas. Fortunately, health plans have taken a number of proactive steps to assist their members affected by these disasters. In Florida, health plans have provided all Florida residents access to their 24-hour helplines. This resource allows those experiencing stress, anxiety or other disaster-related issues to speak with qualified clinicians who can address health issues over the phone and also refer patients to community resources for other specific issues, including financial and legal matters.
Additionally, several Florida health plans have waived prior approval requirements for those needing care. As to prescriptions, several plans have eased restrictions on refills and have encouraged members to use the most convenient retail pharmacy, even if their plans otherwise require the use of a mail-order pharmacy.
For those affected by Harvey, Texas health plans have offered similar accommodations. Prior to Harvey's arrival, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) issued notices urging health insurance companies to accommodate their members during the hurricane and its aftermath. Among the notices, the TDI asked insurers to provide a 90 day supply of prescriptions regardless of the date the prescription was last filled. The TDI also asked insurance companies to ease pre-authorization requirements.
Texas health plans have answered this call. For example, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas eased prescription and pre-authorization requirements and also extended the claims filing deadlines for providers. Further, BlueCross BlueShield representatives have proactively called members to answer questions and inform them of resources like Federal Emergency Management Services (FEMA) and American Red Cross.
In another effort to protect those affected, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services submitted waiver requests to the federal government to ensure that those on Medicaid continue receiving services.
Of course, each natural disaster presents unique problems, so health plans will tailor their responses to the specifics of each event. Oklahomans, however, can look to these recent hurricanes, as well as past tornadoes, to gauge the types of accommodations health plans may provide if a natural disaster hits Oklahoma again.
For example, following the tornado outbreak in May 2015, BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma offered early prescription refills, assisted its members with locating network providers, and provided member identification information to those who lost their information in the tornado.
Regardless of the natural disaster, health plans urge their members to keep several tips in mind. First, in an emergency, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital. Second, because disasters often wipe out internet and phone access, members should keep their health plan information with them, perhaps in a prepared disaster kit, in case the need for healthcare services arises. Further, members can access their plan's website or helplines ahead of time to learn about the available disaster resources and procedures.
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