Supporting Members Affected by Wildfires
August 22nd, 2020
From Blue Shield of California
Governor Newsom has declared a State of Emergency as numerous fires burn across the state. We are working hard to ensure the safety and care of all Blue Shield of California members during this difficult time. Communications are being sent to members in impacted areas informing them of available resources. We’ve also shared thoughts from our medical director office regarding the fires through our News Center.
How we are supporting our members
- Members who need immediate assistance should call the customer service phone number, (800) 393-6130 (TTY: 711).
- Virtual care options are available, although they may differ slightly depending on a group’s plan. Some of these telehealth options are Teladoc™, Heal, and NurseHelp 24/7.
- Copays and co-insurance for any Teladoc Medical and Behavioral Health visits will be waived for members enrolled in Blue Shield fully-insured commercial plans until December 31, 2020. Employees can visit http://blueshieldca.com/teladoc, or download the Blue Shield of California app on their smart phones.
- We are allowing the immediate refill of prescriptions for members in mandatory evacuation zones even if they are not due to be refilled.
- Blue Shield Medical Care Solutions will reach out to members in care and disease management programs in mandatory evacuation areas to ensure continuity of care.
- Magellan Health, Blue Shield’s contracted managed care plan for behavioral health services, is providing free access to resources, materials and counseling services through its dedicated hotline: (800) 327-7451.
- Blue Shield vision plan members in affected areas can get a replacement pair of lost or broken glasses and can use non-network providers as needed with claims paid at network costs. Please contact Vision Customer Service for assistance at (877) 601-9083.
- Members who have been displaced may see an appropriate out-of-network provider at in-network benefit levels and may replace medical equipment and supplies, if needed.
- Members who may have lost or misplaced their identification card can print a new card on our website at blueshieldca.com. Alternatively, members can use the Blue Shield of California mobile app to access their ID card on their mobile device.
Additional information
Please visit our News Center for additional updates on plan information and services or have them delivered to your mailbox by subscribing here.
For fire status updates and locations, please visit CalFire.
Be informed. Learn about the air quality in your group’s area and encourage employers to do so as well – https://www.airnow.gov.