ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) along with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s parent company Foundation (Foundation) have launched several support efforts to help its members as well as residents and communities in Georgia who have been impacted by Hurricane Irma. BCBSGa is also working with disaster relief partners to assist impacted residents and first responders.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia revised guidelines to make it easier for Medicare plan members to access needed services and supports during this time. These adjustments include:
- Affected members can see both in-network and out-of-network physicians and service providers to access needed care and services.
- In-network 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.
“We are working with our members to help them access health care services so that they have one less thing to worry about during this challenging time,” said David McNichols, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s Medicare plans. “We remain committed to supporting our members and Georgia communities as they recover from Hurricane Irma.”
This announcement is specific to BCBSGa members who have BCBSGa Medicare health plans. Earlier this week, BCBSGa announced revised guidelines to help members of individual, small group, and large group plans who are impacted by the hurricane access needed prescription drugs by allowing them to have medications refilled at any pharmacy.
BCBSGa’s parent company Foundation has also partnered with the American Red Cross, as a $1 million-level member of its Annual Disaster Giving Program, to support impacted residents. Local Red Cross personnel and shelters will be providing meals, relief supplies, support, and other assistance to area residents and first responders statewide.
As part of its normal disaster preparedness planning, the Red Cross has shelters prepared to serve at least 120,000 evacuees impacted by Irma. To identify the nearest shelter and help, we encourage people to download and use the Red Cross Emergency App.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia will coordinate, as appropriate, with first responders, the American Red Cross, and other disaster relief organizations to help our members remain safe,” added McNichols. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to the American Red Cross and first responders for all they are doing. Our associates know that this is a difficult time for many and are engaged in activities to help where they can.”
The Foundation has pledged to match all of BCBSGa’s associate donations to its employee assistance fund and the American Red Cross dollar-for-dollar.
Additionally, BCBSGa’s parent company Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant to AmeriCares to support its Emergency Response Partner Program (AERP), which provides medicine, medical supplies and mental health services to those experiencing disaster-related trauma.
BCBSGa members who need assistance accessing services, understanding benefits, replacing ID cards, or have other questions about services can contact BCBSGa at the number on the back of their membership card. Members of our Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans can call 1-855-715-5319 and Medicare Part D members can call 1-855-745-4397.
For more information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia services, benefits and contacts, visit www.bcbsga.com.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bcbsga_News and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AskBCBSGa.