On 10/10/19 the Saddle Ridge fire affected residents in Los Angeles County, and the Eagle, Sandalwood, Reche Canyon and Wolf fires affected residents in the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. In response to the conditions, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on 10/11/19. The All Plan Letter (APL) 19-018 released on 10/14/19 is attached to this correspondence.
We want to ensure that WellCare beneficiaries affected by either the wildfires or the subsequent power outages can access medically necessary healthcare services and supplies. This correspondence is sent to our Network Partners to communicate the APL 19-018 and state of emergency. Please join us in informing all Members of the below emergency websites and our Community Connections Help Line.
We are gathering information to assess Member impact and needs. Information will be used for planning potential risks (e.g., electric durable medical equipment) and regulatory reporting. If Members need medical services and contracted Providers are not available in an impacted area, benefits can be provided at non-contracted Medicare facilities. In these events, cost share amounts for out-of-network Providers are not to exceed in-network cost share amounts. For consideration of authorizations, coordinate with us regularly to ensure that access to care is not impeded.
Fire and weather updates are available through the California Office of Emergency Services at www.caloes.ca.gov or 1-916-845-8510. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Impacted Members who need medication may be eligible for early refills of prescriptions for a limited time. For inquiries about medication or insurance benefits, please call Customer Service at 1-866-999-3945 or visit www.wellcare.com/California.
The WellCare Community Connections Help Line provides assistance with accessing community resources or social services. Necessary items such as food or housing may be available in some areas. Members may call 1-866-775-2192 (main line) or 1-855-628-7552 (video relay) Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Please contact your Provider Relations representative if you need additional information.
