Florida Blue Supports Hurricane Irma Recovery with Premium Payment and Claim Filing Extensions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, today announced several short-term policy changes related to premium payments and claim filings to allow its members and all Floridians to focus on recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Irma.

In support of a Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) emergency order, Florida Blue has implemented the following policy changes effective immediately:

• Premium due date extension – Members covered by an individual or family plan (not covered through an employer plan) who had a premium due in September now have until Oct. 15 to make their payments.
• No policy cancellations – Until Oct. 15, policies for those covered by an individual or family plan will not be cancelled or not renewed for non-payment. Additionally, any individual or family plan member who missed making a September binder payment and was cancelled may have their policy reinstated. Many employer plans are eligible for this payment extension as well.
• Claim filing extension – The time frame to file claims is extended through Dec. 3 for those covered by an individual or family plan. Additionally, these members will have extended time to respond to any request from Florida Blue for additional information in support of the claim. The extended timeframe also covers any appeals.

"In the wake of the hurricane, we know people want to be focused on taking care of their loved ones, homes and businesses. These extensions and policy changes are designed to give our customers one less thing to be worried about during this challenging time," said Pat Geraghty, CEO of Florida Blue.

Florida Blue has provided additional recovery support to the communities it serves during this time.

• Financial contribution – The company has pledged $1 million to support relief and recovery efforts across the state, with a focus on those areas hit hardest by the storm.
• Telephonic physician consultations for non-emergency situations – Florida residents can speak to U.S. board-certified internists, state-licensed family practitioners, and pediatricians licensed to practice medicine in the United States. Those interested in speaking to a doctor can call 855-221-0370.
• Prescription refills – All in-network pharmacies have authorization codes to fill a 30-day emergency supply upon request through the end of September.
• Emotional support/counseling – In partnership with New Directions Behavioral Health, Florida Blue is offering emotional support to individuals and loved ones affected by Hurricane Irma. The companies are providing community access to specially trained behavioral health counselors via a 24-hour, toll-free help line: 800-843-6514.

Members who have questions about their Florida Blue plans during Hurricane Irma recovery can contact the company by calling the toll free number on their member ID cards; online at floridablue.com; or by visiting a Florida Blue Center throughout the state.

About Florida Blue

Florida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for more than 70 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company has more than 5 million health care members across the state. An additional 15 million people in 12 states are served through its affiliated companies. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

SOURCE Florida Blue