Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut Adjusts Health and Pharmacy Guidelines for Members Affected by Hurricane Sandy

WALLINGFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut today announced revised medical and pharmacy guidelines to help members who are directly impacted by Hurricane Sandy. These revised guidelines are effective throughout this state of emergency.

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 www.anthemeap.com and log-in using the word “Sandy” to access the resources on-line.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.