Philadelphia, PA — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is taking extra measures to help its members in Florida and its members in other areas who might be affected by Hurricane Irma.
“We stand ready to serve our members affected by Hurricane Irma and its aftermath and are committed to getting them continuous access to the care they need,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO of Independence.
To help Independence members during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the company will alter some of its policies now through October 31, 2017. Specific steps include:
- Waiving precertification, 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 Irma. 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 will 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