Centene’s Health Net Provides Emergency Medication Access to 3 Million Members After LA Fire
CNC•Centene’s Health Net is offering affected Los Angeles members emergency prescription refills at out-of-network pharmacies and suspending refill limits following a warehouse fire. The plan also extended grace periods and waived prior authorizations for providers supporting over three million Medi-Cal enrollees.
1. Emergency Prescription Access
During the declared State of Emergency, Health Net is suspending refill limitations and allowing impacted members to obtain emergency medication supplies at out-of-network pharmacies. Members can also secure refills at original pharmacies if operational or call Health Net’s dedicated line for immediate support.
2. Provider Support Measures
Health Net has extended grace periods for notifications related to acute services, durable medical equipment, home health care and other post-acute services. Prior authorization requirements are waived and out-of-network services are authorized when in-network providers are unavailable, ensuring continuity of care.
3. Telehealth and Behavioral Health Services
Members unable to reach primary care providers gain free telehealth access via video appointments after registering online or using details on their Health Net ID cards. Behavioral health crisis support is available 24/7 to address grief, stress or trauma through a dedicated hotline.
4. Financial and Operational Impact
These emergency measures bolster network resilience and likely incur additional claims and administrative costs for Centene, though they enhance member retention and provider relations across the three million-member base in California.
