Help for Members Impacted by Hurricanes Debby and Helene in Florida

On March 17, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis extended the state of emergency he declared in August 2024 for 54 Florida counties impacted by Hurricanes Debby and Helene, as well as the war in Israel. In response, we are making temporary changes to health plan benefits to provide relief and ensure healthcare access for Anthem and Wellpoint members who live in these Florida counties.

The changes are in effect between August 2, 2024, and May 16, 2025, for residents of the following Florida counties:  

Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.  

The changes also apply to emergency responders who have been activated to the impacted area by their state or local agency, but who do not live in the impacted area. 

For assistance during this emergency, please call the Member Services number on your member ID card

We want to help make sure you have access to the healthcare you need. We can help with finding available doctors, refilling prescription drugs, and other health plan questions. We’re available by phone Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. 

Receiving care during the emergency

• You can receive care from any doctor or hospital, even if they are not in your plan’s network. We will cover the claims as if they are in your plan’s network.
• If your doctor’s office or healthcare facility is closed because of the emergency, or if you are unable to travel there, call us at the Member Services number on your ID card. We can help you find another doctor.
• If you’re in a care management program and need to reach them, call us at the Member Services number on your ID card.
• If you’re having a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.  

Preapprovals or referrals

• You have more time to request them. There won’t be any late fees. Call us at the Member Services number on your ID card if you need an extension.

Prescription drug refills

• If your Anthem or Wellpoint plan covers your prescription medicines, you can receive up to a 30-day emergency refill at any pharmacy now, even if it’s not in your plan’s network. 
• If you use our home delivery pharmacy and your address changed, call the Member Services number on your ID card so we can make sure to send your medicine to the right place.  

The timeframe for these relaxed guidelines may change based on the conditions. Please check back here for updates.

These changes are for Anthem or Wellpoint members who live in the 54 affected Florida counties and who have Anthem group health plans through their employers, or Wellpoint individual and family plans. They do not apply to Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans, or fully insured trust funds. These plans have their own guidelines.

If you need additional support, please call us the Member Services number on your ID card.