BATON ROUGE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the historic flooding crisis in Louisiana, Amerigroup Louisiana along with the Amerigroup Foundation have launched several support efforts to help its members and residents across the state who have been impacted by recent events. Amerigroup is working with disaster relief partners to assist impacted residents and first responders. The health plan has also revised pharmacy and health care guidelines to make it easier for its Medicaid members to access needed services and support.
Through a $75,000 grant, the Amerigroup Foundation has engaged partner organization, AmeriCares, an emergency response and global health organization, to help Louisianans in crisis. Funding has supported AmeriCares deployment of an emergency response team and delivery of medicine and relief supplies for affected residents. These supplies include thousands of hygiene products as well as hundreds of doses of insulin and Tdap vaccine, which is used to protect people from serious diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
As a member of its Annual Disaster Giving Program, the Amerigroup Foundation has also partnered with the American Red Cross to enable extra support programs for impacted residents. Currently, local Red Cross personnel and shelters are providing meals, relief supplies and other assistance to thousands of Louisianans and first responders statewide. Red Cross health workers are also helping impacted Louisianans replace needed items such as prescription medications and eyeglasses, while mental health workers are offering counseling and support to those who are struggling to cope with the disaster.
An Amerigroup Foundation grant is also supporting Portlight Strategies, Inc.’s efforts as an information hub during and after natural disasters for people with disabilities. Additionally, the Amerigroup Foundation has pledged to match all of its associate donations to its employee assistance fund and the American Red Cross at 100 percent through the month of August.
Amerigroup Louisiana is also adjusting medical and pharmacy benefits to help Amerigroup members in impacted parishes access needed medical care and prescription drugs:
- Affected members can see both in-network and out-of-network physicians to access needed care.
- Pharmacies will allow impacted members to request refills of approved medication if medication has been lost or damaged in the flood.
- Members can request replacements for medical equipment and supplies that have been damaged or lost in the floods.
These changes will be in place until Sept. 12, or as dictated by the Governor’s disaster declaration, and apply only to residents of flood-impacted parishes. For updates and information about impacted parishes, visit: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/category/3.
Additionally, Amerigroup’s customer service representatives are actively taking calls from members who need help accessing services, understanding benefits, replacing ID cards and more. Members can call Amerigroup customer service at 1-800-600-4441 (TTY: 711). Members can also call Amerigroup’s 24-hour nurse help line, seven days a week, at 1-866-864-2544 (TTY: 711). For more information about Amerigroup Louisiana services, benefits and contacts, visit www.myamerigroup.com/LA.
ABOUT AMERIGROUP LOUISIANA
Amerigroup Louisiana has been serving the state since 2012. We recognize the challenges low-income and underserved individuals face, and we tailor our programs to address them. Our health plan members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup Louisiana provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their health care. Also, through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Amerigroup Louisiana, visit www.myamerigroup.com/LA.
