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Update: Blue Shield of California Offers Assistance to Members Affected by California Wildfires, Donates More Than $70,000 to Relief Effort

Heal Providing Free Physician Visits

SAN FRANCISCO (November 9, 2018) – Blue Shield is closely monitoring the wildfires in Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and the nonprofit health plan is offering the following services to help ensure members in affected areas continue to have uninterrupted access to care.

  • Blue Shield is allowing for the immediate refill of prescriptions for members in mandatory evacuation zones, even if they are not yet due to be refilled.
  • The health plan is conducting outreach to affected members who are currently participating in a care management program to ensure continuity of care.
  • Magellan Health, Blue Shield’s contracted managed care plan for behavioral health, is providing free access to resources, materials and counseling services through its dedicated hotline: 1-800-327-7451.
  • Blue Shield vision plan members in affected areas can obtain a replacement pair of lost or broken glasses, and can use out-of-network providers as needed with claims paid at in-network costs. Please contact Vision Customer Service for assistance, 877-601-9083.
  • In addition, Heal, an on-demand physician house call service, is providing free doctor visits to those affected by the wildfires – including first responders – regardless of insurance status. Heal will see patients in their home, office, hotel or other location within the service area. These services will be available free of charge through Monday, Nov. 26. Those who use the service should use the coupon code CAFIRES72 on the Heal app or Heal.com.

Blue Shield of California members who need immediate assistance can contact customer service at the number listed on the back of their identification card.

Members who may have lost or misplaced their identification card can print a new card on our website at blueshieldca.com. Alternatively, members can use the Blue Shield of California mobile app to access their ID card on their mobile device. These electronic cards will include the members customer care toll free number should they need that for any reason. If access to the internet or a mobile device are not available members can call 800-393-6130 to obtain a new card. 

We will continue to monitor activity and may make further adjustments to continue to best serve our members.

Blue Shield of California Makes $70,000 Grant to Relief Efforts

In addition, on Nov. 16 Blue Shield of California made a $50,000 grant to the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund. The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund supports intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires, as well as preparedness efforts.

This is in addition to the $21,520 that has been raised for the United Ways of California in employee contributions and a company match.

About Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California strives to create a health care system worthy of our family and friends that is sustainably affordable. We are a not for profit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with care for four million members, 6,800 employees and more than $17 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit www.news.blueshieldca.com.

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