With wildfires continuing to impact the Los Angeles area, it is a crucial time to ensure employees and their families have access to resources for health, safety, and preparedness. Blue Shield of California is committed to supporting members during times of crisis, offering a variety of services and tools that can help safeguard health and well-being in emergencies like current fires.
Emergency Preparedness and Staying Informed
Disasters can strike at any time, so being prepared is key. Blue Shield of California encourages all members to take proactive steps:
Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a detailed plan for your family that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and a checklist of essential supplies (e.g., medications, water, food, and important documents).
Stay Informed: Keep track of local emergency updates through trusted sources like CAL FIRE, the National Weather Service, and AirNow for air quality updates. Blue Shield's blog and customer service can also provide updates during regional crises.
Pack a to-go bag: Include essentials like prescriptions, first aid supplies, chargers, and copies of your health insurance ID cards. View checklist.
Blue Shield members can also access preparedness tips and resources on their website, ensuring they have the tools to face disasters with confidence.
Access to Care During Wildfires and Other Emergencies
In the wake of natural disasters, access to healthcare has become more critical than ever. Blue Shield of California has activated several member support services to ensure continued care, even in uncertain circumstances:
Prescription Refills: If you're in an area impacted by wildfires or mandatory evacuations, Blue Shield allows for early refills on medications. Visit your pharmacy or call the number on your member ID card for assistance.
Telehealth and Virtual Care: Members can consult with licensed physicians remotely through Teladoc, Blue Shield's telemedicine partner. Virtual visits are available 24/7 for urgent care, addressing non-emergency conditions like respiratory issues or minor injuries, which may be especially important due to smoke exposure. Contact Teladoc at (800) 835-2362.
Mental Health Support: Disasters can take an emotional toll. Blue Shield members have access to mental health and counseling services through their Mental Health Service Administrator (MHSA). A 24/7 crisis hotline is available at (800) 327-7451, offering support for stress, anxiety, or grief.
Emergency Access to Providers: If members are forced to relocate, Blue Shield's Customer Service team can assist in finding in-network providers near your temporary location.
Support for Businesses and Employees
Employers play a key role in ensuring their workforce feels supported during times of crisis. Guardian offers solutions for businesses to address the health and wellness needs of employees, including:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees can access confidential counseling, financial guidance, and stress management resources through their EAP. Access your EAP by calling (855) 239-0743 or visiting guidanceresources.com. No personal information is ever shared with Banc of California.
General Disaster Resources from Blue Shield
Blue Shield members have access to an array of general disaster-response services, which can be particularly helpful during fire season or other emergencies:
Air Quality and Respiratory Health Resources: With wildfire smoke causing respiratory issues, Blue Shield's online resources include information on minimizing exposure and recognizing symptoms of smoke inhalation. Check out their website for more information.
Coverage Flexibility: In declared disaster zones, Blue Shield often waives certain pre-authorization or out-of-network requirements to ensure uninterrupted care for impacted members.
How to Reach Blue Shield of California
For immediate assistance or to access any of these resources, members are encouraged to contact Blue Shield's customer service at (800) 393-6130 (TTY: 711). Additional information about disaster-related support is also available on their website.
Your Safety is the Priority
Disasters like the L.A. fires remind us of the importance of preparation and community support. Blue Shield of California stands ready to help members navigate these challenging times with health-focused resources, compassionate care, and an unwavering commitment to well-being.
By leveraging these tools and taking proactive steps, employees and families can stay safe, healthy, and resilient no matter what challenges arise.
If you'd like to learn more, please contact me at:
Heather Raskulincez
Senior Vice President, Employee Benefits
Hraskulinecz@venbrook.com
Tel: (949) 547-0227
