Mar 27, 2023
UnitedHealthcare is taking immediate action to ensure customers and members are supported after recent severe weather in California. This information applies to affected individuals enrolled in fully insured health plans with effective dates as noted and includes help for the broader community. In addition, self-funded (ASO) customers can request to adopt measures currently in place for fully insured accounts.
Situation: On March 1, Governor Newsom issued the first of four states of emergency in response to severe weather across the state of California. There are states of emergency in 43 counties in addition to a Presidential Emergency Declaration.
Effective dates: March 2 through April 30, 2023
Impacted counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne and Yuba
Provisions
Applicable to fully insured customers in all lines of business unless noted otherwise
| PROVISION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Premium payments | Leniency for insured persons within the designated disaster area, such as a 30-day leniency period before any action is taken for non-payment of premium |
| Policy time limits |
Extend filing deadlines for claims, including appeals Medicare Advantage and Part D plans should follow Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) Chapter 4 requirements as listed below. |
| Out of network | Provided if in-network provider is not available |
| Prior authorization, precertification, referrals | Relax time limits during implementation period. A prior authorization waiver is not required. |
| Prescription drug coverage | Provide early refills and allow out-of-network requests |
| Durable medical equipment and supplies | Provide early replacement for medical equipment and supplies |
Additional assistance
All UnitedHealthcare members: Affected members can call the customer care number on their ID card if they need additional assistance.
UnitedHealthcare app: People enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual health plans who have a smartphone can download the UnitedHealthcare app (at no additional cost), which enables them to access their ID card, review and manage prescription medications, locate nearby network care providers and facilities, view account information and more. The app also enables eligible plan participants to directly schedule and conduct a Virtual Visit with a clinician* and arrange a callback from a UnitedHealthcare customer service advocate.** The app is available now for download for Android™ and Apple® devices to people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare health benefit plans.
*Additional out-of-pocket costs may be required for telemedicine services, depending on the plan and any applicable state requirements.
** Most UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored plan participants have access to the callback feature.
Help for broader community
Optum is offering a free emotional-support help line to affected individuals. The toll-free number, 866-447-3573, is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. The service is free of charge and open to anyone, including individuals who are not UnitedHealthcare members. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources.
Visit https://www.uhc.com/disaster-relief-info for the latest info
