DALLAS, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the widespread displacement caused by Hurricane Gustav, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) announced several actions to assist members affected by the hurricane.

"We are gratified that the impact of Hurricane Gustav was less than originally anticipated and we are prepared to help our members get the care they need. To assist displaced members, we've temporarily waived several key procedures that will help make access to care and prescription medications readily available," says Darren Rodgers, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas members (including displaced members of other states' Blues plans and volunteer/relief workers from across the country) should call customer service first in order to get information on the following temporary changes:

FOR BCBSTX MEMBERS

Customer Service representatives are ready to assist displaced members who need help finding care, have coverage questions or need replacement ID cards. Members will be asked by providers for their ID number. If patients do not have their member ID number, they can call 800-521-2227 to retrieve their information. Up-to-date information for BCBSTX can also be accessed at http://www.bcbstx.com/, by clicking on the Hurricane Information icon on the right side of the screen.

  -- Physician/Hospital Care Assistance -- For members unable to seek care
     from their Primary Care Physician (PCP) or another BCBSTX network
     physician or hospital, they can obtain care from any licensed physician
     (MD/DO) or facility during their displacement.
       -- Payment will be at in-network benefit levels at allowable amounts.
       -- Pre-certification and referral requirements will be waived so that
          members can obtain immediate access to care.


  -- Prescription Assistance -- For prescriptions, certain procedures will
     be temporarily waived for displaced members.  Early refills and
     duplicate requests by members will be honored upon request.
       -- If requested by members, mail order prescriptions will be shipped
          overnight at no additional charge.
       -- Mail order deliveries will be attempted at alternate addresses, if
          requested.
       -- Mail order prescriptions can be filled at retail pharmacies.
       -- The member co-payment for replacement medications will be waived
          upon request.
       -- We will provide directions and assistance on how to transfer
          prescriptions to other retailers and from mail order to retail.


  -- Member Services Hotlines
       -- Texas:  800-521-2227 (or visit http://www.bcbstx.com/)
       -- Louisiana:  800-495-BLUE (2583) -- (Customer Service Center is
          currently closed. Members must call the Texas number above until
          the Louisiana center re-opens or visit
          http://www.bcbsla.com/web/reddotcm/html/default.asp.)
       -- Mississippi:  800-942-0278
       -- Alabama:  800-292-8868
       -- Florida:  800-FLA-BLUE (352-2583)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas -- the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas -- is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 40,000 physicians and 400 hospitals to serve 4 million members in all 254 counties. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the country's largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. HCSC is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Source: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

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