As California once again faces a number of serious wildfires throughout the state, this year with the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’d like to ensure that members of the UC community know about the numerous emergency resources available and that UC has a variety of resources available to help.
Emergency resources from UC’s benefits plans on UCnet provides details about the support and accommodations available to you, from emergency supplies of your essential prescriptions to loans from your voluntary retirement savings plan.
Emotional support resources are available regardless of whether employees are enrolled in UC benefits, including support through your Faculty and Staff Assistance Program.
There is also helpful information about dealing with wildfire smoke from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
If there is a need for extra assistance with health benefits, please contact the plan directly. Customer service representatives will do their best to offer the help needed as quickly as possible.
Health Net
On August 18, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency to exist in California due to the Extreme Heat Event. In response, Health Net has issued the following notification:
“Health Net’s emergency procedures are now in place for all Members in California. Health Net, Envolve Pharmacy Solutions or CVS Caremark will approve any essential prescription medications (with appropriate copayments and deductibles) for Health Net members that have been impacted by the fire and have lost their medications or have been evacuated and not able to take their medications with them. Health Net will allow an early refill for these members.
Health Net Pharmacy’s emergency procedures include:
- Reimburse filled prescriptions from out-of-network pharmacies. Members may be required to pay the full cost of the drug at an out-of-network pharmacy. Members may submit their claims and pharmacy receipts to Health Net for reimbursement. Customer Service will also assist members in finding nearby in-network pharmacies if applicable.
- May obtain early refills and receive an override of refill limitations and restrictions, as needed. The Plan will relax time limits for prior authorizations. Members will be charged their usual cost-share, if applicable.
- May obtain the maximum extended day supply of medications covered under their benefit plans.
This procedure shall be in effect through September 15, 2020 for all Health Net Members in California. At that time we will re-assess the need to modify this time period per the Governor’s declaration.”