23-460 State of Emergency in Solano County Due to Ongoing Effects of Winter Storms

Date: 05/18/23

Support for Health Net members impacted by winter storms

On May 15, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Solano County due to the continuing damage resulting from winter storms that began in February. Solano County has experienced significant storm-related impacts, including localized flooding, roadway slope erosion, embankment slipouts, and land slips. Health Net* is providing assistance to members in Solano County affected by the storm-related impacts.

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 storm-related impacts are able to continue providing care for members’ medical needs.

Participating providers may call the Provider Services Center using the contact information below for guidance on:

• Shortening time limits for health care service plans to approve prior authorization, precertification or referrals, and extending the time that prior authorizations, precertification and referrals for treatment remain valid.
• Approving 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 affected by the storm-related impacts will be extended. Providers may contact the Provider Services Center using the contact information 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 Solano County whose medication was lost or remained behind during an evacuation. Health Net will also suspend prescription refill limitations and allow an impacted enrollee to refill their prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy. Providers should inform their 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, for questions or assistance.

Member insurance cards and health care information

Members whose insurance cards have been lost or left behind due to the state of emergency and members who have health care questions during the state of emergency can contact Health Net’s Emergency Response Line at 800-400-8987, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time, for questions or assistance.

Coping assistance

Health Net members who lost their homes or have been evacuated due to the storm-related impacts 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 storm-related impacts. Affected members may contact MHN 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-227-1060.

Additional information

Depending on how the storm-related impacts progress, 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 Provider Services Center by phone or through the provider portal.

Line of business	Phone number	Email address
IFP Ambetter PPO	844-463-8188	provider_services@healthnet.com
IFP Ambetter HMO	888-926-2164	provider_services@healthnet.com
Health Net Employer Group HMO, POS, HSP, PPO, & EPO	800-641-7761	provider_services@healthnet.com
Medicare (Individual & Employer Group)	800-929-9224	provider_services@healthnet.com
Medi-Cal	800-675-6110	N/A

 

This information applies to Physicians, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, and Ancillary providers.