News
State of Emergency: Additional Information for Members Impacted by the Camp Fire
Date: 12/03/18
Support for CHWP members impacted in Butte County
This update contains additional information on prior authorization, prescription medication refills and prescription glasses for impacted members.
On November 8, 2018, Acting Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Butte County due to the Camp Fire. California Health & Wellness Plan (CHWP) is providing assistance to members in Butte County affected by the Camp 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 this state of emergency.
Here is what you need to know.
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION AND REFERRALS
CHWP is taking steps to ensure that all providers in areas affected by the Camp Fire in Butte County are able to continue providing care for members’ medical needs. During this state of emergency, all prior authorization requirements and time limits for referrals are waived.
PRESCRIPTION INFORMATION
CHWP will approve any essential prescription medications for any CHWP member in Butte 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 or no longer operational, members may have their prescription filled within the same retail chain pharmacy (for example, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, etc.) and get a 30 day refill without a new prescription. For opioid refills, a prescription is required from a physician.
CHWP members can call 1-877-658-0305 for questions or assistance with obtaining a new prescription.
PRESCRIPTION GLASSES
A replacement pair of prescription glasses will be issued to members if it was lost in the fire and they already filled their once a year prescription. Members can contact 1-877-658-0305 for assistance.
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Members who require durable medical equipment (DME) replaced due to the Camp Fire can contact the DME provider that provided the item and ask for a replacement at no cost. Members who do not know where their item was obtained can contact 1-877-658-0305 for assistance.
TELEHEALTH SERVICES
Teladoc® is offering free general medical care with board certified physicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week to residents of Butte County and the surrounding areas impacted by the fires, regardless of insurance coverage. Treatment for basic illness is provided in voice or video via mobile telephone or landline. Teladoc physicians can provide prescription medications if deemed necessary.
Please provide the below designated hotline and website information to your patients, impacted residents and nearby shelters to help spread the word about the availability of these important services.
- 1-855-225-5032
- teladoc.com/cafires
FILING CLAIMS
The deadline to file claims for providers impacted by the Camp Fire will be extended. Providers may contact
1-877-658-0305 for additional guidance on claims extension time frames.
COPING ASSISTANCE
CHWP members who lost their homes or have been evacuated due to the Camp Fire 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. Affected CHWP members can call 1-877-658-0305 for assistance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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 your Provider Relations representative or call 1-877-658-0305.