Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Extends Grace Period on Premium Payments for Members Affected by Tornados

ATLANTA, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) today announced it is extending the grace period on premium payments to help members directly impacted by Georgia tornados on April 27 and 28. Extensive property damage, injuries and death are attributed to these storms.

A Governor's State of Emergency remains in effect, and a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been made for Bartow, Catoosa, Coweta, Dade, Floyd, Greene, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Spalding, Troup and Walker Counties. Additionally, the damage caused by the tornados and storms have had a significant impact on transportation throughout the state, including disruptions in mail service.

Mail delivery disruptions may have caused delays in BCBSGa receiving premium payments, and as a result, BCBSGa has extended the grace period on premium payments for Georgia members for payments due in April and May. Members impacted by the tornados that may receive a delinquency notice or cancellation notice need to contact BCBSGa to have the delinquency notice waived. Policies will not be cancelled for this timeframe if premium payments were delayed due to disruptions in mail service.

"This is a very tragic time for many Georgians and it is of the utmost importance that our members not experience additional hardships," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGa. "We are taking every precaution possible, including extending grace periods and shifting staff roles to assist in the processing of any premium payment backlogs."  

If members have questions about their premium payment status due to mail disruptions caused by recent inclement weather conditions, they should call the customer service number on the back of their Member ID card, and if they do not have their card, they should call 1-866-417-7107.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association® . The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinInBCBSGa, visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin or check out the Our Health Connects Us campaign site at http://connects.bcbsga.com/.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia