BCBSM Contributes to Hurricane Relief Efforts, Assists Those Affected
Brianna Neace
| 3 min read
BCBSM Supports Relief Efforts BCBSM has contributed $10,000 to the American Red Cross for ongoing relief efforts in Florida, which follows a $10,000 and 10,000 water bottle donation to support relief from Hurricane Harvey. BCBSM’s donations will help the Red Cross work with government officials and community partners to coordinate potential response efforts. “To date, our employees have generously donated more than $47,000 to the American Red Cross through our dedicated portal,” said Suzanne Miller Allen, director, Community Responsibility. “These donations will support those who need it most, as folks in Florida and Texas return home and the Red Cross helps them rebuild their communities.”
On Friday, August 25, Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm, brought devastating levels of damage to Texas and the Gulf Coast. Equally devastating was Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that hit in Florida and the Southeast. Bringing torrential rains and winds ranging from 120 to180 mph, the effects of these storms on infrastructure, power and local populations will linger for months. As a result, many critical operations – including health care service delivery and the processing of health care claims - have been suspended temporarily. While these services come back online in the affected areas, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is working collaboratively with its customers, provider networks and local Blue Plans to ensure members in those areas receive necessary health care services and have answers to questions resulting from the devastation and disruption brought by these storms. What you need to know now Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is part of a Blue System effort to raise funds for charities providing relief services to people in affected communities. As part of this effort, BCBSM has contributed financially to a cumulative donation of $3 million by Blue Plans nationwide. BlueCross BlueShield of Texas and Florida Blue are assessing their situations and communicating with their members and provider communities to address questions. However, Florida Blue operations were put on hold over the weekend with the passing of Hurricane Irma and are expected to be back online by September 12. Throughout this process, regular updates are being shared with all Blue Plans. In the interim, BCBSM encourages its group customers with employees residing in Texas or Florida who are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network members to direct their questions to the customer service number on the back of their ID card. Blue Cross representatives will be able to help them with the following:
- Finding a doctor or hospital
- Refilling prescriptions
- Coordinating or transitioning care
In the event a member has lost their ID card or cannot access it, BCBSM encourages the use of its mobile app – available on the Apple Store and Google Play – which has a “virtual ID card” containing all members' plan information. Members can also visit bcbsm.com and click on “Contact Us” at the top of the page. If they cannot access the website, members can call 313-225-9000, and a representative will route them to the appropriate customer service center. Specific needs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members living in these states can be addressed by contacting a local Blue Cross representative. To learn more about how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is assisting in hurricane relief efforts, click here. Photo Credit: Chalky Lives
