Getting Care During and After a Storm

A state of emergency has been declared in Baker, Columbia, Escambia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.

If you have been impacted by the recent storms, we encourage you to take advantage of the programs and services listed below. And if you’re having trouble getting care or  your medications, please don’t hesitate to call us at the number on the back of your member ID card so we can help. 

We also know many of our most vulnerable members are at risk. In response, our care teams and nurses are reaching out to these impacted members to check on them, make sure they’re safe, and see if they need anything at all. Our goal is to help them manage their health and care needs and make it easier to get necessary medications, oxygen, medical supplies, or other support due to the storm.

Note: Florida Blue Medicare members can click for more information.

https://www.floridablue.com/medicare/member/care-disaster-emergency

What changes have been made to make it easier to get medications? 

• Early prescription refills for non-controlled maintenance medications* are available.  You may receive one early refill up to a 30-day supply. We encourage anyone who may be impacted by the current weather to replenish their medication if their supply is low to ensure they have enough to take as prescribed during and after the storm.  *Controlled substances include opioids, stimulants and other medications that can lead to dependence.

What if I need to see a doctor?

• Call your doctor’s office to see if they are open, since they may still be offering virtual visits as well as in-office visits during this time. This is your best first step since they know you and your health concerns and have access to all of your medical records.

• You can also call us if you need help finding a doctor. If you’re having trouble scheduling care with your doctor or another in-network provider, please call us at the number on the back of your member ID card. We’ll work with you to help you get the care or medication you need. As always, out-of-network providers are covered in cases of emergency as part of your health plan.

You can also get virtual care from Teladoc: 1-800-TELADOC (835-2362). Member cost share is based on their benefits and may be as little at $0¹. This service is only for non-emergency situations. If you have a true emergency, please call 911. 

• myBlue Connected Care members and Sanitas patients should continue to use their mySanitas app for their virtual visits, if possible. 

¹$0 cost share does not apply to Health Savings Account (HSA) plans. HSA plans pay deductible + coinsurance. Please refer to your health policy for specific benefits for virtual visits.

If I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, is there someone I can call for help?

You can count on emotional support from Lucet. A bilingual 24/7 hotline is available for immediate emotional support at no extra cost for members. Call 1-833-848-1762 to speak to them if you’re experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma or grief. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with emergency services.

Who can help me find local resources to get food and water or other community services that are available?

We encourage you to call a Florida Blue Center Community Specialist for help with community and social services like food programs, transportation services, financial and housing assistance programs, community support resources, and many other types of relief programs. We’re ready to help members and everyone in the community. Just stop by one of our centers or call 1-877-352-5830, Monday - Friday, 9am - 7pm or Saturday, 9am - 4pm, and we’ll be glad to help.

You can also click to read or download a list of local community resources below, including phone numbers and addresses, and additional websites for support services. Scroll in the document to find resources for your county.

https://files.guidewell.com/m/3b873af621dc0b00/original/2024-Community-Resources-flyer-North.pdf

Who do I call if I have more questions about getting care?

As always, if you have any questions, need help locating a doctor, lab, pharmacy or other health care facility, please call the toll-free number on the back of your member ID card. We are here to help any way we can.

Note: Some of the above benefit adjustments may not apply to commercial self-funded group members. Please call us at the number on your member ID card or check with your benefit administrator with any questions.