26-650 State of Emergency: Impacts from Late September 2025 Storm

Date: 05/08/26

Support for Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley members impacted by storm

On April 17, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Imperial County due to impacts from the late September 2025 storm. Health Net and Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley are providing assistance to members affected by storm and its resulting damage.

We want to help ensure that members who have been impacted, because they or their usual healthcare providers have been temporarily displaced, have continued access to healthcare 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 storm 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 healthcare 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 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

The Plan will approve any essential prescription medications (with current copayments and deductibles) for any member whose medication was lost in the storm or remained behind during an evacuation. 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 healthcare questions during the state of emergency can contact Member Services at 833-236-4141 for questions or assistance.

Coping assistance

Plan members who lost their homes or were 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 recovery from impacts related to the storm progress, the Plan may make additional changes to its policies as needed to ensure members have access to necessary healthcare services.

If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley at 833-236-4141. Behavioral health providers can call 844-966-0298.

This information applies to Physicians, Practitioners, 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.