Jan 10, 2025
Important information for members affected by the fires in Southern California
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc. (collectively “CareFirst”) members residing in the areas impacted by the fires in Southern California, will need extra support as they evacuate, relocate and recover. CareFirst has available options, including virtual care providers and prescription drug accommodations, to ensure members continue to have access to care and medications during a natural disaster.
The following information should be shared with employers and members that have been impacted by a natural disaster.
Your health plan wants you to know that access to the care you need is a top priority.
How to access care
- Should a member need medical care outside of their service area, they can call 800-810-BLUE (2583) to find an in-network provider.
- CloseKnit virtual-first care gives members access to primary and urgent care, behavioral health support, and a full care team of providers available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. to help with medication refills, referrals and more.
- Members can get started by downloading the app on their mobile phone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play or by visiting closeknithealth.com.
- For 24/7 medical advice, members can call the Nurse Advice Line at 800-535-9700 to speak with a registered nurse who can recommend the most appropriate care.
- The CareFirst support team can assist members in need of behavioral health care, including finding a behavioral health provider, scheduling an appointment and locating community resources and support programs by contacting the CareFirst support line at 800-245-7013.
- In the event of a medical emergency, members can seek medical care anywhere. Prior authorization is not needed.
Prescription drug coverage
- To ensure continued access to prescriptions, refill limit requirements have been lifted for members in affected areas, including states that have issued a state of emergency.
- A one-time emergency medication refill of a 10-day supply of medication has been authorized for members in these areas.
- Impacted members within the emergency areas taking specialty medications will be contacted to discuss alternate delivery arrangements if needed.
- If a member needs to refill their prescription, they can visit any in-network pharmacy location outside the evacuation zones.
- Members can also call CareFirst Pharmacy Services (administered by CVS Caremark) directly at 800-241-3371, or the Pharmacy number on the back of their CareFirst member ID card for assistance.
If members have questions about their medical, dental or vision coverage, please have them call the member services number on the back of their CareFirst member ID card. If the member ID card is not available, a copy can be viewed and downloaded through My Account or on the CareFirst mobile app.
