Helping Members Affected by Natural Disasters

Our members’ care is our top priority. If you or your family members have been affected by tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, or flooding, we’re here to help.

Call Premera Blue Cross at 800-508-4722 (TTY: 711) if you need help with your healthcare coverage, prescriptions, care, or other support.

If you need prescription drugs or supplies

A disaster may close pharmacies, delay deliveries, or make it hard to get to an appointment. These steps can help:

• Check your supply. Look at the drugs and supplies you use often. Note what may run low, what needs to stay cold, and what may be hard to replace.
• Ask about refills. You may be able to refill early or get up to a 90-day supply. You can also ask about home delivery or the location of a nearby pharmacy that is open.
• Keep a drug list. Write down each drug, dose, provider, and pharmacy phone number. Keep the list with your member ID card or in a waterproof bag.
• Store drugs safely. Keep drugs in their original bottle or package with the label on it. If you leave home, keep drugs and supplies together.
• Plan for special needs. Some drugs must stay cold. Some supplies or equipment need power. Plan for cool storage, charging, batteries, or another safe place if the power goes out.
• Share key instructions. If a child or dependent takes medications, make sure a caregiver, school, daycare, or emergency contact knows what they take and where to find the information.

If your care is interrupted

If you work with a care manager, contact them as soon as you can. They can help if the disaster affects your appointments, medical equipment, transportation, housing, or access to providers.

Before an emergency happens

A little planning now can make things easier later:

• Download the Premera app so your health plan information is on your phone.
• Keep your member ID card where you can grab it quickly.
• Save the phone numbers of your providers and pharmacy.
• Make a plan with your provider or pharmacist for how to manage any medications that must stay cold or need medical equipment, oxygen, home infusion, or dialysis supplies.
• Share your plan with anyone who may help you during an emergency, including where to find your medications, supplies, and important health information.

Non-emergency care

Premera members in need of non-emergency care may call our 24-Hour NurseLine. This free service can help you decide on the best place for care, and provide information on local resources. The phone number for the 24-Hour NurseLine is on the back of your ID card.

You also have virtual care available for mental or physical health questions.

Medicare members: Please use the 24-Hour NurseLine or call your doctor.