20-795 State of Emergency: Fires in California
Date: 09/30/20
This information applies to Physicians, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, and Ancillary providers.
Support for Cal MediConnect members impacted by fires
On September 25, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Del Norte, Los Angeles and Mendocino counties due to wildfires. Health Net is providing assistance to Cal MediConnect (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) members impacted by fires in Los Angeles County.
Previous state of emergencies have been issued for affected counties in August and September due to the widespread fires and extreme weather conditions throughout the state of California. Refer to the Updates and Letters section of the Provider Library for previously distributed communications.
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 participating providers in impacted areas are able to continue providing care for members’ medical needs.
Health Net participating providers may call the Provider Services Center using the contact information provided 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 fires will be extended. Providers may contact the Provider Services Center using the contact information provided in the right-hand column of this page for additional guidance on claims extension time frames.
Prescription information
Health Net will approve any essential prescription medications (with current copayments and deductibles) for any member whose medication access has been impacted by the state of emergency. 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, 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 who lost their homes or have been evacuated due to the current fires 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 fires. For the duration of the state of emergency 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 fire situation progresses, Health Net may make additional changes to its policies as needed to ensure members have access to necessary health care services.
| Line of Business | Telephone Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Cal MediConnect – Los Angeles County | 1-855-464-3571 | provider_services@healthnet.com |