20-491 State of Emergency: Civil Unrest in Los Angeles County
Date: 06/03/20
This information applies to Physicians, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, and Ancillary providers.
Support for Cal MediConnect Plan members impacted by civil unrest in Los Angeles County
On May 30, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County due to the civil unrest. Health Net* is providing assistance to Cal MediConnect Plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) members in Los Angeles County affected by the civil unrest.
We want to help ensure that members who have been impacted, because they or their usual health care providers have been temporarily displaced, have continued access to health care services and prescriptions during the state of emergency.
Here is what you need to know.
Prior authorization and referrals
Health Net is taking steps to ensure that Health Net participating providers in areas affected by the civil unrest are able to continue providing care for Health Net members’ medical needs.
Health Net participating providers may call the Provider Services Center using the contact information provided in the Additional Information section below for guidance on:
- Easing of time limitations for prior authorizations and referrals for services.
- Approval for out-of-network services in the event a contracting provider or facility becomes unavailable.
- Authorization for the replacement of medical equipment or supplies.
Filing claims
The deadline to file claims for providers impacted by the civil unrest will be extended. Providers may contact the Provider Services Center using the contact information provided in the Additional Information section for additional guidance on claims extension time frames.
Prescription information
Health Net will approve any essential prescription medications for any Health Net member in Los Angeles County whose medication was impacted. Providers should inform their Health Net patients that to obtain an emergency supply, affected members can return to the pharmacy where the original prescription was filled. If the pharmacy is not open due to the state of emergency, affected Health Net members can contact Health Net’s Emergency Response line at 1-800-400-8987, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time (PT), for questions or assistance.
Coping assistance
Health Net members impacted due to the civil unrest may contact MHN, Health Net’s behavioral health subsidiary, for referrals to mental health counselors, local resources or telephonic consultations to help them cope with stress, grief, loss, or other trauma resulting from the civil unrest. For the duration of the civil unrest and its immediate aftermath, affected Health Net members may contact MHN 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-227-1060.
Additional information
Depending on how the civil unrest progresses, Health Net may make additional changes to its policies as needed to ensure members have access to necessary health care services.
If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact the Health Net Provider Services Center within 60 days at:
Line of Business | Telephone Number | Email Address |
Cal MediConnect – Los Angeles County | 1-855-464-3571 | provider_services@healthnet.com |