BOSTON, March 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to severe weather, the governors of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee have declared states of emergency for all or part of their states. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), Inc. is expediting access to care for members who may be affected. 

Blue Cross has almost 2,400 members living in Alabama counties under a state of emergency, more than 18,200 members living in Georgia, where there is a statewide emergency declaration, and more than 3,400 members living in counties under a state of emergency in Tennessee.  The health plan is working to ensure those members can access health services and medications quickly and in locations convenient to them. 

Effective immediately and for the next 90 days, Blue Cross is allowing:

• Early refills of any prescription medication
• Affected members to use, Well Connection, the health plan's dedicated telehealth platform  to access medical and mental health services free of cost, with no copayments or deductible. Members should enter the code BCBSMA26 in the coupon code box on the payment screen.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Blue Cross has taken other steps to expand access to care that will benefit affected members in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Blue Cross is: 

• Waiving referral, authorization, and pre-certification requirements for some medical and pharmacy services.
• Covering in-network medical and mental health visits conducted via phone or video (telehealth) with no co-pay, deductible or co-insurance.

The above enhanced benefits are in effect for all Blue Cross members for the duration of the public health emergency.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts