Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is glad and thankful the result of Hurricane Gustav's impact was less than expected. However, we understand many people have been affected due to mandatory evacuations and are prepared to assist members displaced by this hurricane, as well as displaced members of other states’ Blues plans.

FOR BCBSTX MEMBERS

To help members access care and prescription medications, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is temporarily changing the following procedures:

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.

For prescriptions, certain procedures also will be temporarily waived for displaced members.

• Early refill requests by members will be honored upon request.
• If requested by members, mail order prescriptions will be shipped overnight.
• Mail order deliveries will be attempted at alternate addresses, if requested.
• Mail order prescriptions can be transferred to a local retail pharmacy where the member can pick up the prescription.
• The member copayment for replacement medications will still apply.
• We will provide directions and assistance on transferring prescriptions to other retailers and from mail order to retail.

Customer Service representatives are ready to assist members who need help finding care, have coverage questions or need replacement ID cards. Members will be asked by providers and pharmacies for their ID number. If a patient does not have their member ID number, they can call 800-521-2227 to retrieve their information.

FOR PROVIDERS

• BCBSTX is suspending the contractual requirement for the use of network providers. Payment will be at in-network benefit levels at allowable amounts.
• We are also waiving pre-authorization and referral requirements.
• A temporary hotline has been set up to provide clinical summary records on members. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 4, call 888-421-5843 to be connected to a representative who can assist your office in obtaining the needed clinical history information. The hotline will be answered 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday.
• Providers will be asked for the member's ID number. The representative will then pull the patient clinical summary record and fax it to your office, emergency room or clinic. If a patient does not have their member ID number, they will need to call us at 800-521-2227 to retrieve their information. If the patient is unable to communicate due to illness or injury, you will need to provide care using normal emergency care procedures.

FOR BLUES MEMBERS FROM OUTSIDE TEXAS

BCBSTX is prepared to assist providers in caring for members of other states' Blues plans displaced by the disaster, as well as volunteers and relief workers from across the country.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Customer Service Center is currently closed due to the evacuation. BCBSLA members can call the Texas member services number until the center re-opens, or see the special instructions provided on the BCBSLA Web site at www.bcbsla.com.

OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

• Mississippi Member Services: 800-942-0278
• Alabama Member Services: 800-292-8868
• Florida Member Services: 800-FLA-BLUE (352-2583)
• BlueCard and Federal Employee Information: 800-676-BLUE (2583)