Anthem Loosens Rules for Sand Fire Victims

Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross has implemented temporary revised medical and pharmacy guidelines for policyholders affected by the Sand wildfire in Santa Clarita, the company announced Wednesday. The guidelines will provide affected members easier access to medical care by allowing them to seek services out of network at in-network pricing. When in-network health providers are unavailable due to the wildfires, Anthem will cover impacted members seeking emergency services elsewhere, allow early refills on prescriptions as well as allow members to fill prescriptions at any pharmacy. In addition, Anthem is extending filing deadlines for claims, overriding certain late penalties and allowing replacements for medical equipment and supplies. The guidelines will remain in place until Aug. 1, unless extended, and do not apply to Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and federal employee programs, the company said. The rules also apply to policyholders affected by the Soberanes fire near Big Sur. The Sand fire in Santa Clarita Valley has destroyed over 38,000 acres and was 65 percent contained as of Thursday morning.