CMS offers broad support for North Carolina and South Carolina with Hurricane Florence preparation
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced efforts underway to support North Carolina and South Carolina in response to Hurricane Florence. Earlier this week, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared public health emergencies (PHE) in both states. CMS is working to ensure hospitals and other facilities can continue operations and provide access to care despite the effects of Hurricane Florence. CMS has waived certain Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requirements; created special enrollment opportunities for individuals to access healthcare immediately; and taken steps to ensure dialysis patients obtain critical life-saving services.
“At the direction of President Trump, CMS is doing everything within its power to provide assistance and relief to those affected by Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and South Carolina,” said Seema Verma, CMS Administrator. “We are coordinating with federal and local officials to make sure that our beneficiaries, many of whom are some of America’s most vulnerable citizens, have access to the healthcare they need.”
Below are key administrative actions CMS has taken in response to the PHEs declared in North Carolina and South Carolina:
CMS will continue to work with all geographic areas impacted by Hurricane Florence. We encourage beneficiaries and providers of healthcare services that have been impacted to seek help by visiting CMS’ emergency webpage (www.cms.gov/emergency).
To read previous updates regarding HHS activities related to it hurricane response and recovery, visit https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/hurricane-response/index.html.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced efforts underway to support North Carolina and South Carolina in response to Hurricane Florence. Earlier this week, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared public health emergencies (PHE) in both states. CMS is working to ensure hospitals and other facilities can continue operations and provide access to care despite the effects of Hurricane Florence. CMS has waived certain Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requirements; created special enrollment opportunities for individuals to access healthcare immediately; and taken steps to ensure dialysis patients obtain critical life-saving services.
“At the direction of President Trump, CMS is doing everything within its power to provide assistance and relief to those affected by Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and South Carolina,” said Seema Verma, CMS Administrator. “We are coordinating with federal and local officials to make sure that our beneficiaries, many of whom are some of America’s most vulnerable citizens, have access to the healthcare they need.”
Below are key administrative actions CMS has taken in response to the PHEs declared in North Carolina and South Carolina:
- Waivers for Hospitals and other Healthcare Facilities: CMS has temporarily waived or modified certain Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP requirements. CMS issued a number of blanket waivers, listed on the website below, and the CMS Regional Offices have granted other provider-specific requests for specific types of hospitals and other facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina. These waivers work to provide continued access to care for beneficiaries. For more information on the waivers CMS granted, visit: www.cms.gov/emergency.
- Special Enrollment Opportunities for Hurricane Victims: CMS has made available special enrollment periods for all Medicare beneficiaries and certain individuals seeking health plans offered through the Federal Health Insurance Exchange. This gives people impacted by the hurricane the opportunity to change their Medicare health and prescription drug plans and gain access to health coverage on the Exchange immediately if eligible for the special enrollment period. For more information on these special enrollment periods, visit:
- Disaster Preparedness Toolkit for State Medicaid Agencies: CMS developed an inventory of Medicaid and CHIP flexibilities and authorities available to states in the event of a disaster. For more information and to access the toolkit, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/disaster-response-toolkit/index.html.
- Dialysis Care: CMS is helping patients obtain access to critical life-saving services. The Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) program has been activated ahead of the storm and is working with the End Stage Renal Disease Network of the South Atlantic, ESRD NW 6, to assess the status of dialysis facilities in the potentially impacted areas related to generators, alternate water supplies, education and materials for patients, and more. They are also assisting patients who have evacuated ahead of the storm to receive dialysis services in the location to which they are evacuating. Patients have been educated to have an emergency supply kit on hand including important personal, medical, and insurance information; contact information for their facility, the ESRD NW hotline number, and contact information of those with whom they may stay or for out-of-state contacts in a water proof bag. They have also been instructed to have on hand supplies to follow a three-day emergency diet. The ESRD NW toll-free hotline is 800-524-7139 and the KCER hotline is 866-901-3773. Additional information is available on the KCER website www.kcercoalition.com.
- Medical equipment and supplies replacements: CMS temporarily suspended certain requirements necessary for Medicare beneficiaries who have lost or realized damage to their durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies as a result of the hurricane. This will help to make sure that beneficiaries can continue to access the needed medical equipment and supplies they rely on each day. Medicare beneficiaries can contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.
- Suspension of Enforcement Activities: CMS will suspend current survey and enforcement activities for healthcare facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina, but will continue to investigate allegations of immediate threat to patient health and safety.
- Ensuring Access to Care in Medicare Advantage and Part D. During a public health emergency, Medicare Advantage Organizations and Part D Plan sponsors must take steps to maintain access to covered benefits for beneficiaries in affected areas. These steps include allowing Part A/B and supplemental Part C plan benefits to be furnished at specified non-contracted facilities and waiving, in full, requirements for gatekeeper referrals where applicable.
CMS will continue to work with all geographic areas impacted by Hurricane Florence. We encourage beneficiaries and providers of healthcare services that have been impacted to seek help by visiting CMS’ emergency webpage (www.cms.gov/emergency).
To read previous updates regarding HHS activities related to it hurricane response and recovery, visit https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/hurricane-response/index.html.
Hurricane Florence – Information for Customers
Mutual of Omaha recognizes the severe hardships faced by those impacted by Hurricane Florence and we want to help.
We have extended the premium grace period on your Mutual of Omaha policies, including life, disability, long-term care or Medicare Supplement policies.
If you need claim payments sent to an alternate address or additional claims assistance, please refer to the numbers noted below for product specific information.
Individual health or life coverage (premium or claims inquiries): 1-800-775-6000
Annuities: 1-800-646-7592
Group (employer provided) coverage:
Special Risk: 1-800-524-2324
Mutual of Omaha recognizes the severe hardships faced by those impacted by Hurricane Florence and we want to help.
We have extended the premium grace period on your Mutual of Omaha policies, including life, disability, long-term care or Medicare Supplement policies.
If you need claim payments sent to an alternate address or additional claims assistance, please refer to the numbers noted below for product specific information.
Individual health or life coverage (premium or claims inquiries): 1-800-775-6000
Annuities: 1-800-646-7592
Group (employer provided) coverage:
- Claims: 1-800-877-5176
- Service: 1-800-369-3809
Special Risk: 1-800-524-2324
Cigna Foundation Donates $100,000 to American Red Cross for Hurricane Florence Relief
14 September 2018
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., 14 September, 2018 - The Cigna Foundation is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Florence relief efforts and will match Cigna employee donations made to the American Red Cross and other certified organizations.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in the affected areas and we are committed to supporting the relief efforts of the American Red Cross and other organizations. We also encourage anyone feeling stressed or anxious about the hurricane to use our 24x7 telephone help line, which is available to all people in affected communities. Working together with national and local relief organizations, we hope to help make this difficult time easier for all those impacted,” said Mary Engvall, executive director of the Cigna Foundation.
For all residents in affected areas, Cigna is providing access to its 24x7 telephone help line. Phone lines are staffed with qualified clinicians who are available to speak with people about how to cope with anxiety, stress or other issues. People who do not have health benefits or employee assistance program benefits with Cigna can call toll-free 866.912.1687. Customers who have health benefits or employee assistance program benefits with Cigna should call the telephone number on their Cigna ID card or call 800.244.6224.
Cigna (NYSE: CI), a global health service company, is helping people cope with Hurricane Florence by working to ensure customers have access to the pharmacy and medical care they need.
Medical telehealth services are available at no cost through Sept. 27 to Cigna customers who have been affected by the hurricane or evacuated:
Cigna has lifted prescription refill requirements in all affected states through Oct. 10, 2018. Additionally, in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, more flexibility will be allowed for prior authorizations, pre-certifications and referrals for medical care and filing claims. If in-network services or providers are not available due to the hurricane, out-of-network services will be covered at the in-network benefit level through Sept. 25.
Customers with questions on any aspect of their pharmacy or medical care may call the number on their customer ID card or call 800.244.6224. Customers who have a smartphone may access their ID card and other personal health benefits information through the myCigna app, which is available as a free download at the Apple iTunes App Store and the Android Market on Google Play.
Cigna also provides a list of online resources for physical and mental self-care during challenging times, including hurricanes, which are available in English and Spanish in the Disaster Resource Center on Cigna's website.
14 September 2018
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., 14 September, 2018 - The Cigna Foundation is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Florence relief efforts and will match Cigna employee donations made to the American Red Cross and other certified organizations.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in the affected areas and we are committed to supporting the relief efforts of the American Red Cross and other organizations. We also encourage anyone feeling stressed or anxious about the hurricane to use our 24x7 telephone help line, which is available to all people in affected communities. Working together with national and local relief organizations, we hope to help make this difficult time easier for all those impacted,” said Mary Engvall, executive director of the Cigna Foundation.
For all residents in affected areas, Cigna is providing access to its 24x7 telephone help line. Phone lines are staffed with qualified clinicians who are available to speak with people about how to cope with anxiety, stress or other issues. People who do not have health benefits or employee assistance program benefits with Cigna can call toll-free 866.912.1687. Customers who have health benefits or employee assistance program benefits with Cigna should call the telephone number on their Cigna ID card or call 800.244.6224.
Cigna (NYSE: CI), a global health service company, is helping people cope with Hurricane Florence by working to ensure customers have access to the pharmacy and medical care they need.
Medical telehealth services are available at no cost through Sept. 27 to Cigna customers who have been affected by the hurricane or evacuated:
- For MDLIVE, visit www.mdliveforcigna.com or call 888.726.3171, then provide the code FLORENCE
- For Amwell, visit www.amwellforcigna.com or call 855.667.9722, then provide the code FLORENCE
Cigna has lifted prescription refill requirements in all affected states through Oct. 10, 2018. Additionally, in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, more flexibility will be allowed for prior authorizations, pre-certifications and referrals for medical care and filing claims. If in-network services or providers are not available due to the hurricane, out-of-network services will be covered at the in-network benefit level through Sept. 25.
Customers with questions on any aspect of their pharmacy or medical care may call the number on their customer ID card or call 800.244.6224. Customers who have a smartphone may access their ID card and other personal health benefits information through the myCigna app, which is available as a free download at the Apple iTunes App Store and the Android Market on Google Play.
Cigna also provides a list of online resources for physical and mental self-care during challenging times, including hurricanes, which are available in English and Spanish in the Disaster Resource Center on Cigna's website.
Humana Foundation Donates $250,000 for Hurricane Florence Local Disaster Relief and Recovery Efforts
Additional help for Humana health plan members, employees, brokers, employer clients and the community at large includes early prescription refills, expanding access to crisis hotline and free counseling
Friday, September 14, 2018 4:20 pm EDT
"Storms like this can take a serious toll beyond the physical destruction, and it’s important that our health plan members know we are fully committed to providing uninterrupted coverage and services"LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), one of the nation’s leading health and well-being companies, announced today that it has launched a series of efforts to assist its health plan members, employees and communities in the path of Hurricane Florence, in addition to a disaster relief grant from the Humana Foundation.
Among those measures, Humana has opened its toll-free crisis intervention hotline and counseling services beyond employees and members to include any individual who may need assistance in communities impacted by Florence.
In addition, the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana, announced today it will provide initial disaster relief support through a $250,000 donation to support and assist local disaster relief and recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Florence. Humana announced as well that the company will match storm relief donations by its employees.
Humana has also taken these additional steps:
“Storms like this can take a serious toll beyond the physical destruction, and it’s important that our health plan members know we are fully committed to providing uninterrupted coverage and services,” said Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard. “In addition, we’re prepared to provide our full resources and support to our employees, our health plan members, our health care provider partners, our brokers and employer clients across the region, and anyone affected by Florence.”
Humana has opened its toll-free crisis intervention hotline and counseling services to the public, in addition to its health plan members and employees. Work/life specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-673-1154 (TTY: 711) to provide free, confidential assistance to anyone needing help and support in coping with the disaster and its aftermath.
“A powerful storm like this can seriously impact the well-being of those affected, which is why we’re encouraging not only our members and employees, but also anyone affected by Florence, to call our free and confidential crisis intervention hotline and speak to one of our counselors,” Broussard said.
Humana Medicare, Medicaid, commercial and TRICARE members with questions about services available to them should call the toll-free phone number on the back of their Humana ID card.
Additional help for Humana health plan members, employees, brokers, employer clients and the community at large includes early prescription refills, expanding access to crisis hotline and free counseling
Friday, September 14, 2018 4:20 pm EDT
"Storms like this can take a serious toll beyond the physical destruction, and it’s important that our health plan members know we are fully committed to providing uninterrupted coverage and services"LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), one of the nation’s leading health and well-being companies, announced today that it has launched a series of efforts to assist its health plan members, employees and communities in the path of Hurricane Florence, in addition to a disaster relief grant from the Humana Foundation.
Among those measures, Humana has opened its toll-free crisis intervention hotline and counseling services beyond employees and members to include any individual who may need assistance in communities impacted by Florence.
In addition, the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana, announced today it will provide initial disaster relief support through a $250,000 donation to support and assist local disaster relief and recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Florence. Humana announced as well that the company will match storm relief donations by its employees.
Humana has also taken these additional steps:
- Affected members can seek acute, post-acute, outpatient and physician services if needed without referrals and prior authorization requirements;
- Humana is providing affected members who need to seek care out-of-network with the same cost-sharing they would receive from an in-network health care provider or facility;
- For its pharmacy members, Humana has suspended restrictions on refills to allow for travel difficulties and evacuations;
- Humana is conducting outreach to members in Hurricane Florence’s path through email and web communications to let them know how to access care and get help if they are affected by the storm.
“Storms like this can take a serious toll beyond the physical destruction, and it’s important that our health plan members know we are fully committed to providing uninterrupted coverage and services,” said Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard. “In addition, we’re prepared to provide our full resources and support to our employees, our health plan members, our health care provider partners, our brokers and employer clients across the region, and anyone affected by Florence.”
Humana has opened its toll-free crisis intervention hotline and counseling services to the public, in addition to its health plan members and employees. Work/life specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-673-1154 (TTY: 711) to provide free, confidential assistance to anyone needing help and support in coping with the disaster and its aftermath.
“A powerful storm like this can seriously impact the well-being of those affected, which is why we’re encouraging not only our members and employees, but also anyone affected by Florence, to call our free and confidential crisis intervention hotline and speak to one of our counselors,” Broussard said.
Humana Medicare, Medicaid, commercial and TRICARE members with questions about services available to them should call the toll-free phone number on the back of their Humana ID card.
United Healthcare and Optum Support People in the Carolinas and Virginia
Free emotional-support help line from Optum open to anyone
RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 10, 2018) – UnitedHealthcare and Optum, the health benefits and services companies of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), are taking action to help people in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia who may be affected by the Hurricane Florence, which is expected to make landfall later this week.
Support includes assisting health plan participants who may need to make alternate arrangements to access care and early prescription refills, as well as offering a free emotional-support line to help people who might be affected.
The toll-free number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone. Specially trained Optum mental health specialists help people manage their stress and anxiety so they can continue to address their everyday needs. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters.
Along with the toll-free help line, emotional-support resources and information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.
Learn 5 important steps to take for your safety during hurricane season.
Free emotional-support help line from Optum open to anyone
RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 10, 2018) – UnitedHealthcare and Optum, the health benefits and services companies of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), are taking action to help people in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia who may be affected by the Hurricane Florence, which is expected to make landfall later this week.
Support includes assisting health plan participants who may need to make alternate arrangements to access care and early prescription refills, as well as offering a free emotional-support line to help people who might be affected.
- Help Finding a Network Care Provider, Early Refills: Plan participants who need help finding a care provider in the UnitedHealthcare network or obtaining early prescription refills can call customer care at the number located on the back of their medical ID cards.
- For plan participants who may have misplaced their medical ID cards, call 866-633-2446, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (in the local time zone), Monday through Friday. People enrolled in Medicaid, employer-sponsored and individual health plans (except Medicare) who have a smartphone can download the free Health4Me app, which provides instant access to their ID card, network care providers, their personal health benefits and more. The Health4Me app is available as a free download at the Apple iTunes App StoreOpens a new window and the Android Market on Google PlayOpens a new window.
- Free Help Line: Optum, a leading health and behavioral health services company, is offering a free emotional-support help line.
The toll-free number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone. Specially trained Optum mental health specialists help people manage their stress and anxiety so they can continue to address their everyday needs. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters.
Along with the toll-free help line, emotional-support resources and information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.
Learn 5 important steps to take for your safety during hurricane season.
Aetna offers Hurricane Florence Resources
Aetna is offering additional assistance to members in Maryland, Georgia and Washington, D.C. ahead of Hurricane Florence making landfall. Earlier this week, Aetna modified its policies for members in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Aetna members in NC, SC, VA, MD, GA and Washington, D.C. can refill their prescriptions early, if needed. Members who use Aetna’s mail-order pharmacy can either get a prescription at an alternate delivery location or refill a prescription that may have been lost, damaged or destroyed.
Aetna professionals who have experience dealing with traumatic events are also available to help. The company has opened its Resources for Living services to those affected by Hurricane Florence, regardless of whether they are Aetna members or not. Individuals can call 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386) for assistance with finding available shelters, accessing government resources and seeking referrals or help to cope with the emotional impact of Hurricane Florence.
The Aetna Foundation, today, announced it will make a $100,000 contribution to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. The Disaster Relief Fund provides statewide disaster relief services including the repair and redevelopment of residences damaged by significant storms such as Hurricane Florence.
Through the company’s Disaster Response matching gift program, the Aetna Foundation will also match employees’ disaster relief donations dollar-for-dollar (up to $5,000 per donor per year) to any U.S.-based nonprofit providing hurricane-related disaster relief.
The company will monitor the impact Hurricane Florence has on its network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers, and make further modifications to its policies as necessary to ensure members have access to care. Aetna has and will continue to adjust its policies to comply with any local, state or federal disaster executive orders or regulations issued related to these catastrophic events.
In addition, to aid members during this difficult time, Teladoc is offering access to general medical care at no charge for residents of the evacuation zones. To receive care, individuals should call the designated hotline, (855) 756-8708, or visit teladoc.com/Florence for more information.
Aetna members and health care providers affected by the hurricane who need care or other assistance can reach the company at the following toll-free numbers:
* Members can find replacement ID cards and access to a Personal Health Record on Aetna’s secure member site Aetna Navigator™. Log in on Aetna’s home page.
Aetna is offering additional assistance to members in Maryland, Georgia and Washington, D.C. ahead of Hurricane Florence making landfall. Earlier this week, Aetna modified its policies for members in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Aetna members in NC, SC, VA, MD, GA and Washington, D.C. can refill their prescriptions early, if needed. Members who use Aetna’s mail-order pharmacy can either get a prescription at an alternate delivery location or refill a prescription that may have been lost, damaged or destroyed.
Aetna professionals who have experience dealing with traumatic events are also available to help. The company has opened its Resources for Living services to those affected by Hurricane Florence, regardless of whether they are Aetna members or not. Individuals can call 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386) for assistance with finding available shelters, accessing government resources and seeking referrals or help to cope with the emotional impact of Hurricane Florence.
The Aetna Foundation, today, announced it will make a $100,000 contribution to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. The Disaster Relief Fund provides statewide disaster relief services including the repair and redevelopment of residences damaged by significant storms such as Hurricane Florence.
Through the company’s Disaster Response matching gift program, the Aetna Foundation will also match employees’ disaster relief donations dollar-for-dollar (up to $5,000 per donor per year) to any U.S.-based nonprofit providing hurricane-related disaster relief.
The company will monitor the impact Hurricane Florence has on its network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers, and make further modifications to its policies as necessary to ensure members have access to care. Aetna has and will continue to adjust its policies to comply with any local, state or federal disaster executive orders or regulations issued related to these catastrophic events.
In addition, to aid members during this difficult time, Teladoc is offering access to general medical care at no charge for residents of the evacuation zones. To receive care, individuals should call the designated hotline, (855) 756-8708, or visit teladoc.com/Florence for more information.
Aetna members and health care providers affected by the hurricane who need care or other assistance can reach the company at the following toll-free numbers:
- Aetna Member Services: Call the number printed on your ID card*. If ID card is unavailable, call 1-800-443-AETNA (1-800-443-2386).
- Rx Member Services and Aetna Rx Home Delivery Customer Service: 1-888-RX AETNA (1-888-792-3862)
- Aetna Specialty Pharmacy Customer Service: 1-866-782-ASRX (1-866-782-2779)
- Aetna Student Assistance Program: 1-877-351-7889
- Aetna Dental: 1-877-238-6200
- Aetna Vision Preferred: 1- 866-652-0018
- Health care providers should contact the Provider Service Centers:
– Indemnity and PPO-based benefit plans: 1-888-MD-AETNA (1-888-632-3862)
– HMO benefit plans: 1-800-624-0756 - Coventry Health Plans:
- Commercial HMO and PPO Plans 1-866-847-8235
- Medicare Advantage Plans 1-800-847-3995
- Coventry National and First Health Plans 1-800-937-6824
* Members can find replacement ID cards and access to a Personal Health Record on Aetna’s secure member site Aetna Navigator™. Log in on Aetna’s home page.
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