Update on health plan information related to the wildfires from IBEW Local 18

IBEW, Local 18-sponsored plans
For those of you enrolled in the Local 18-sponsored health plan, there are some temporary changes to the Anthem Blue Cross and Optum benefits to help provide relief and ensure healthcare access during this emergency.

Anthem Blue Cross - 833-285-4030
Receiving care during the emergency
• You can receive care from any doctor or hospital, even if they are not in your plan’s network. Anthem will cover the claims as if they are in your plan’s network.
• If your doctor’s office or healthcare facility is closed because of the emergency, or if you are unable to travel there, call Anthem at 833-285-4030, and they will help you find another doctor.

Prescription drug refills
• You can receive up to a 30-day emergency refill at any pharmacy now, even if it’s not in your plan’s network.
• If attempts to fill a prescription are rejected, the pharmacy should call the CarelonRx Retail Helpdesk for assistance – 833-296-5038.
• If you use Anthem’s home delivery pharmacy and your address has changed temporarily, call Anthem at 833-285-4030 so they can make sure to send your medicine to the right place. Medical equipment that is lost or damaged
• Anthem can help you replace your equipment (also called durable medical equipment or DME). Call 833-285-4030.

In addition, Anthem is also offering free access to its online health option, LiveHealth Online to anyone living in the impacted area. LiveHealth Online offers video visits with U.S.-based board-certified doctors on a mobile device or computer from anywhere for non-emergency health conditions. The free visit offer will be available through the end of the state of emergency.

Optum Behavioral Health - 877-449-6710
• Optum has opened the Public Crisis line, which is available to anyone impacted by the fires in California, and it will be open for the next two weeks.
Optum Public Crisis Line: Call 866-447-3573 for support Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST
• Optum also has a dedicated EAP line for Local 18 members, 877-449-6710.
Please remember that the EAP is available to your household members, even if they are not enrolled in the Local 18-sponsored Anthem Blue Cross medical plan.

VSP
• Any VSP member who has lost or broken their eyewear due to the SoCal fires can call the Member Services Support Line at 800.877.7195 to have their VSP benefits reinstated regardless of eligibility.
• Individuals without VSP coverage can contact their local American Red Cross chapter/shelter or call 800. RED-CROSS (800.733.2767) to ask about support for replacement eyewear, which may include VSP Eyes of Hope gift certificates or an alternative solution.

VSP has also provided a website with additional information on the resources available as follows: https://www.vsp.com/natural-disaster-resources