Anthem revises medical and pharmacy guidelines to help members recover from Colorado wildfires

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado announced this morning that it has revised medical and pharmacy guidelines and extended support services to help members in El Paso, Fremont and Huerfano counties who are directly impacted by the Black Forest, Royal Gorge, Klikus or La Veta wildfires.

“Anthem is committed to helping Colorado Springs and its citizens deal with and recover from this disaster”

For impacted members in El Paso, Fremont and Huerfano counties, Anthem is:

• Extending claim filing deadlines.
• Suspending early refill limits and shipping prescriptions to members at alternative addresses.
• Providing member access to a 24-hour Nurse Helpline
• Allowing payment for replacement of covered Durable Medical Equipment or supplies for impacted members that call in.
• Offering 24-hour, free telephonic counseling and referral services to all members in areas impacted by the fires through Anthem's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), at the phone number on the back of the member's identification card, or by calling 1-877-208-8240.

These medical and pharmacy guidelines are effective until further notice. For additional questions, members should call the phone number on the back of their membership card. If they do not have their card or otherwise need replacement cards, they should call 1-888-231-5046.

"Anthem is committed to helping Colorado Springs and its citizens deal with and recover from this disaster," said Mike Ramseier, President and GM, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Colorado. "Anthem's parent company is one of only ten $1 million donors to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, ensuring the organization is able to respond immediately to the needs of those impacted by disaster. Anthem associates, including its parent company's foundation match, also pledged $40,000 to the Red Cross in Colorado for 2013 through our annual Associate Giving Campaign. Finally, we are pleased to announce that we have committed to an additional $25,000 grant from our foundation, specifically for the 2013 Colorado wildfire relief efforts."