25-217 State of Emergency: Assistance to Santa Cruz County from Winter Storm
Date: 02/19/25
Support for Health Net members impacted by the winter storm
On February 14, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Santa Cruz County to allow for assistance in recovery efforts from the December 2024 winter storm. This coastal storm resulted in the partial collapse of the Santa Cruz municipal wharf, significant distribution of debris among the county and marine sanctuary waters, and major damage to the Santa Cruz Port District’s pilings and docs. Health Net is providing assistance to members in Santa Cruz County affected by the winter storm.
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 winter storm 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 winter storm 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 Santa Cruz County whose medication was lost in the storm 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 winter storm may call Health Net’s Emergency Response Line at 800-400-8987 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 winter storm.
Additional information
Depending on how the winter storm recovery 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 Provider Services Center by phone or through the provider portal.
Provider Services
Line of business | Phone number | |
|---|---|---|
Health Net Employer Group HMO, POS, & PPO | ||
Medicare (Individual & Employer Group) (Wellcare By Health Net) | ||
Medicare Supplement | ||
Behavioral Health providers | N/A |
This information applies to Physicians, Participating Physician Groups (PPGs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.