22-1097 State of Emergency: Earthquake Damage and Resulting Conditions in Humboldt County
Date: 12/22/22
Support for Health Net members impacted by the earthquake
On December 20, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Humboldt County due to the magnitude 6.4 earthquake that occurred off the Northern California coastline and multiple aftershocks that continue to impact the region. Health Net is providing assistance to members in Humboldt County affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks.
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, precertification and referrals
Health Net is taking steps to ensure that participating providers in areas affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks are able to continue providing care for members’ medical needs.
Participating providers may call the Provider Services Center listed below for guidance on:
- Easing of time limitations for prior authorizations, precertification and referrals for treatment.
- 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 earthquake and its aftershocks will be extended. Providers may contact the Provider Services Center listed below 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 in Humboldt County whose medication was lost or misplaced because of the earthquake and aftershocks or the need to evacuate. 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 members can contact Health Net’s Emergency Response line at 800-400-8987, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time (PT), for questions or assistance.
Coping assistance
Health Net members who are impacted by the earthquake and aftershocks directly or have been evacuated 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 situation. For the duration of the situation and its immediate aftermath, affected members may contact MHN 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-227-1060.
Additional information
Depending on how the conditions from the earthquake and its aftershocks 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 applicable Health Net Provider Services Center within 60 days, by phone or through the Health Net provider website as listed below.
Line of business | Phone number | Email address |
|---|---|---|
Health Net Employer Group HMO, POS, HSP, PPO, & EPO | 800-641-7761 |
This information applies to Physicians, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, and Ancillary providers.