Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Expedites Access to Care for Members Affected by Fires in California, Nevada and Oregon and Storms in Iowa

BOSTON, Aug. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to wildfires in California, Nevada and Oregon, and a powerful storm that caused widespread damage in Iowa, the governors of all four states have declared states of emergency for impacted counties. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), Inc. is expediting access to care for members who may be affected. 

Blue Cross has more than 6,800 members living in the 35 counties in California, Nevada, Oregon and Iowa now under states of emergency. The health plan is working to ensure those members can access health services and medications quickly and in locations convenient to them. 

Effective immediately and for the next 90 days, Blue Cross is allowing:

• Early refills of any prescription medication.
• Affected members to use Well Connection, the health plan's dedicated telehealth platform, to access medical and behavior health services free of cost, with no copayments or deductible. Members should enter the code BCBSMA9 in the coupon code box on the payment screen.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Blue Cross has already taken other steps to expand access to care that will benefit affected members in California, Iowa, Nevada and Oregon. Blue Cross is: 

• Waiving referral, authorization and pre-certification requirements for medical and pharmacy services.
• Covering in-network medical and behavioral health visits provided by phone or video (telehealth) with no co-pay, deductible or co-insurance.

The above enhanced benefits are in effect for all Blue Cross members for the duration of the public health emergency.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts