Health insurers introduce flexibilities in response to Hurricane Ian

Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Hurricane Ian has left a mounting death toll in Florida after ripping through the state and displacing families from their homes, and the echoes of the storm are still being felt along the East Coast, where it continues to cause difficulties as a post-tropical cyclone. 

Healthcare payers are responding in a number of ways, from authorizing prescription refills and waiving prior authorizations to adding emergency and support services.

The New York Times reports that, as of Sept. 29, more than 2 million people were without power in Florida. The Guardian said that Hurricane Ian would likely be the costliest such storm since 1992, and has left at least 32 people dead and about 10,000 unaccounted for.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT

UnitedHealthcare, the nation's largest insurer, has activated an emotional support line Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT that caters to anyone in need. UHC is also offering exceptions on early prescription refills for members and waiving authorization transfers for in-network skilled nursing facilities.

As part of its overall disaster response, UHC is also coordinating a route for water, supplies and mobile clinics to become established in affected states. Two mobile response units are being sent to assist with community medical needs, distribute food and water, and provide satellite WiFi connection and telemedicine services for both medical and behavioral health.

"We continue to monitor the situation and will ensure our members get access to the care they need," the insurer said in a statement.

Aetna, which is owned by CVS Health, is expanding eligibility for its Resources for Living program. The program, which is typically only available to Aetna's Medicare Advantage members and their families, connects members to community resources. The insurer will also expand its phone-based mental health support and add a dedicated crisis support website.

CVS Caremark, Aetna's pharmacy benefit manager, will be providing 10-day emergency refills of medications for members in affected areas.

Humana, meanwhile, said it will waive requirements for primary care referrals and prior authorizations for affected members. And for the duration of the disaster, the company will provide in-network rates for out-of-network facilities.

The insurer also established a free crisis support hotline and counseling services through LifeWorks, aimed not only at health plan employees and members, but also at anyone who may need help and support in the U.S. to cope with the disaster and its consequences.

Cigna has also taken steps, saying it will lift some medical and pharmacy benefit restrictions for the duration of the disaster. It has advised members to call and inquire about the policies in their specific area.

THE LARGER TREND

Evacuations took place at many hospitals struggling to provide care to patients in southwest Florida, according to NPR. After Hurricane Ian ripped through Fort Myers, Naples and other parts of the state, dozens of facilities reported flooding, power outages and loss of water.

The Guardian reported that even though Ian has weakened, central Florida will continue to experience record levels of river flooding. The recovery is expected to cost insurers more than $37 billion.

About 10,000 people are still unaccounted for, and 1.7 million people have been driven from their homes, according to the report.

As Florida and other parts of the nation gear up for recovery, meteorologists are keeping close tabs on two developing tropical disturbances, WESH reported. One tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic could possibly strengthen into a tropical depression, meteorologists said.

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com