Philadelphia, PA — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is taking extra measures to help its members and the community-at-large in Texas following Hurricane Harvey.
“Our thoughts are with the people and communities coping with the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO of Independence. “We have many members in the affected areas and are committed to getting them access to the care they need, despite the obstacles they face. To further help with recovery efforts we are committing $100,000 in financial support, including a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross as well as support for other local relief efforts. We are also encouraging our employees to offer support, as they are able, during this devastating time.”
Some of the more specific steps Independence is taking to support its members in Texas and Louisiana now through September 30, 2017, include:
- Waiving pre-certification, referral, and hospital admission requirements for medically necessary care for fully-insured members. Independence is also working closely with self-funded groups to ask for their flexibility in waiving these same requirements.
- Working closely with hospitals, doctors, and urgent care facilities to ensure members who may not have access to their usual physicians and facilities have access to emergent and urgent care services anywhere they need it.
- Lifting prescription refill restrictions, such as the “refill too soon” limit, and allowing members who receive prescriptions via mail order to get prescriptions at a retail pharmacy.
- Offering free crisis support to employer customers through Magellan Health Services’ Critical Incident Stress Management program (CISM) for employees coping with stress and trauma they may have experienced as a result of Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, Magellan is offering a toll-free Information Resource Line, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all Independence members, to help callers cope and maintain good mental health during the recovery. Members can access this information at 1-800-327-7451.
Independence members with questions about care and medication needs are encouraged to contact the company’s Customer Service team at 1-800-ASK-BLUE (1-800-275-2583). Independence employees can ensure that members have uninterrupted access to the health care services they need during the hurricane and its aftermath.
Independence members can also access their personal health information and find and print replacement ID cards on IBXpress.com, the Independence Blue Cross secure member portal.
Media Contact:
Donna Farrell
215-241-2216 (office)
215-356-9644 (mobile)
Donna.Farrell@ibx.com