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California Health & Wellness is no longer a Medi-Cal plan starting January 1, 2024. Regardless of the county you live in, your Medi-Cal service and benefits will not be impacted by the health plan changes since you will be assigned to a new health plan. The county you live in determines your new health plan. Learn more
California Health & Wellness is no longer a Medi-Cal plan starting January 1, 2024. Regardless of the county you live in, your Medi-Cal service and benefits will not be impacted by the health plan changes since you will be assigned to a new health plan. The county you live in determines your new health plan. Learn more

20-964 State of Emergency: Mountain View Fire in Mono County

Date: 11/20/20

Support for members impacted by the fire in Mono County

On November 18, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Mono County due to the Mountain View Fire. California Health & Wellness Plan (CHWP) is providing assistance to members in Mono County affected by the fire.

We want to help ensure that members, who have been impacted because they or their usual health care providers have been temporarily displaced, have continued access to health care services and prescriptions during the state of emergency.

Here is what you need to know.

Prior authorization and referrals

CHWP is taking steps to ensure that participating providers in areas affected by the wildfire are able to continue providing care for members’ medical needs.

CHWP participating providers may call the Provider Services Center at 1-877-658-0305 for guidance on:

  • Easing of time limitations for prior authorizations and referrals for treatment.
  • Approval for out-of-network services in the event a contracting provider or facility becomes unavailable.
  • Authorization for the replacement of medical equipment or supplies.

Filing claims

The deadline to file claims for providers impacted by the fire will be extended. Providers may contact the Provider Services Center at 1-877-658-0305 for additional guidance on claims extension time frames.

Prescription information

CHWP will approve any essential prescription medications for any member in Mono County whose medication was lost in a fire or remained behind during an evacuation. Providers should inform their CHWP patients that to obtain an emergency supply, affected members can return to the pharmacy where the original prescription was filled. If the pharmacy is not open due to the state of emergency, CHWP members should call 1-877-658-0305 for questions or assistance.

Coping assistance

CHWP members who lost their homes or have been evacuated due to the current wildfire may contact CHWP for referrals to mental health counselors, local resources or telephonic consultations to help them cope with stress, grief, loss, or other trauma resulting from the fire. For the duration of the fire and its immediate aftermath, affected CHWP members should call 1-877-658-0305.

Additional information

Depending on how the fire situation progresses, CHWP may make additional changes to its policies as needed to ensure members have access to necessary health care services.

If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact CHWP at 1-877-658-0305.