The devastation caused by Hurricane Michael has had a profound impact on people’s access to health care services in their community. Our priority is making sure people have immediate and easy access to the care they need.
UnitedHealthcare has taken the following actions as part of its commitment to helping members, customers, care providers, and employees in the counties impacted by Hurricane Michael.
- Access to Care: Members who may have been displaced from their homes or whose network or medical facility is inaccessible can access care anywhere, as needed and it will be covered at their in-network benefit level.
UnitedHealthcare is also waiving preauthorization for existing medical and pharmacy treatment, notification requirements, as well as extending claim filing and premium payment deadlines.
- Prescription Medications and Medical Equipment: Members who are affected can also fill existing prescriptions early (one time, 90-day refill) and replace durable medical equipment, if necessary. For mail-order delivery service to affected areas or any other questions related to their prescriptions, people are encouraged to call the pharmacy number on the back of their ID card, or speak directly to a pharmacist about their situation in order to get an early refill, if necessary.
- For Additional Assistance: Members can call the Customer Care number on the back of their medical ID card, if they need additional assistance. If they have misplaced their medical ID card, they can call 866-633-2446, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (in the local time zone), Monday through Friday.
People enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual health plans (excluding Medicare plans) who have a smartphone can download the free Health4Me app, which provides instant access to their ID card, contact information for network care providers, their personal health benefits and more. The Health4Me app is available as a free download at the Apple iTunes App Store and the Android Market on Google Play.
These measures apply to all individuals insured by UnitedHealthcare and are effective through October 21, 2018 and will be reviewed again at that time if necessary. If you have questions related to coverage, please call Customer Care at the number on the back of your ID card.
Help For Broader Community:
- Free Help Line: Optum is offering a free emotional-support help line to affected individuals. 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. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources. Along with the toll-free help line, emotional-support resources and information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.
Our thoughts go out to all those affected. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.
