24-181 State of Emergency: Winter Storms in 13 Counties
Date: 02/07/24
Support for Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley members impacted by winter storms
On February 2, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Humboldt, Imperial, Monterey, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties due to winter storms causing high winds, heavy rain, mud slides and power outages.
On February 4, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom expanded the state of emergency, based on impacts from the February winter storms, to include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Health Net, on behalf of Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley, is providing assistance to members in Imperial County affected by the winter storms.
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
The Plan is taking steps to ensure that participating providers in areas affected by the winter storms are able to continue providing care for members’ medical needs.
Participating providers may call the Provider Services Center using the contact information below this page 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 impacted by the winter storms 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
The Plan will approve physician administered medications for any member whose medication treatment was interrupted by the storm. The Plan will also suspend refill limitations and allow an impacted enrollee to refill their prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy. If the pharmacy is not open due to the state of emergency, affected members can contact Member Services at 833-236-4141 for questions or assistance.
Member insurance cards and health care information
Members whose insurance cards have been lost or left behind due to the storm and members who have health care questions during the state of emergency can contact Member Services at 833-236-4141 for questions or assistance.
Coping assistance
Members who have lost their homes or have been evacuated due to the storm may call 833-236-4141 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.
Additional information
Depending on how the storm progresses, the Plan 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 |
|---|---|
CHPIV Medi-Cal (including CS and ECM providers) | |
Behavioral Health providers |
Â
This information applies to Physicians, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, Community Supports (CS) Providers, Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.
This information applies to Medi-Cal in Imperial county.