Epps Financial

Anthem revises health and pharmacy guidelines in the wake of Hurricane Sandy

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia today announced revised medical and pharmacy guidelines to help members who are directly impacted by Hurricane Sandy. These revised guidelines are effective until Nov. 12, 2012.

Members affected by the hurricane should seek medical assistance wherever it is available and have their medications refilled at any pharmacy or shipped to them at an alternative address. For medical emergencies, members should dial 911 or seek the nearest emergency room, or use urgent care centers where appropriate.

Throughout the state of emergency, all providers caring for affected members will be considered "in-network" providers, and affected members will not be required to satisfy prior authorization, pre-certification or referral requirements during this time.

For impacted members, Anthem is:

• Suspending requirements for prior authorization and pre-certification.
• Suspending requirements for authorization or referral from a primary care physician.
• Paying emergency/urgent care claims as in-network, regardless of whether or not the health care provider is in network.
• Suspending early refill limits and shipping prescriptions to members at alternative addresses.

Anthem is making its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources available to all of its members regardless of their policy type to help individuals and families coping with Hurricane Sandy. These complimentary resources include telephone-based counseling, online resources focused on dealing with hurricanes and natural disasters, and assistance locating needed services.

Any Anthem member can access the EAP program by calling 1-877-208-8240 or by visiting http://www.anthemeap.com/ and log-in using the word "Sandy" to access the resources on-line.