Health Net Providing Special Assistance to Members and Providers Affected by TCU Lightning Complex Fires in California

Rhea-AI Summary

Health Net, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), has announced emergency support measures for members and healthcare providers affected by the TCU Lightning Complex Fires in Tuolumne County, California. Following Governor Newsom's State of Emergency declaration, the company is implementing several critical assistance programs.

Key support measures include emergency prescription refills at both network and out-of-network pharmacies, 24/7 behavioral health services, free telehealth appointments, and access to social services through 211. For healthcare providers, Health Net is extending grace periods for notifications, waiving prior authorizations, and allowing out-of-network services when necessary.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following Gov. Newsom's declaration of a State of Emergency in Tuolumne County, Health Net, one of California's most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is taking immediate action to support those affected by the TCU Lightning Complex Fires. The company's priority is ensuring both its members and healthcare providers have the resources they need during this critical time.

Member Prescription Information

During a declared State of Emergency, impacted members have two options to secure an emergency supply of their medications:

1. Members can fill their prescription at the original pharmacy if it is open.
2. If the original pharmacy is not open, members can call Health Net at 1-800-400-8987. We will suspend refill limitations so they can get their prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy.

Coping Support for Members 

Members can call Health Net Behavioral Health Services for crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-400-8987 (TTY: 711). This includes:

• Support to help them deal with grief, stress or trauma
• Referrals to mental health counselors, local services and telephone consultations

Members: Video Medical Appointments

If members cannot reach their primary care provider during a declared State of Emergency, Health Net offers telehealth services at no cost. Members can find appointment instructions in two places:

1. On the back of their Health Net ID card
2. On HealthNet.com after registering and signing in

Access to Social Services

To connect with local community resources, members can call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for help with:

• Emergency shelter, food and transportation
• Social services and financial assistance
• Legal guidance from verified agencies

Information for Healthcare Providers

During a declared State of Emergency, doctors and nurse practitioners may call Health Net at 1-800-641-7761 for assistance. To support these participating providers in affected areas, Health Net will:

• Extend grace periods for notifications, beginning on the admission date, for acute services, post-acute care, durable medical equipment (DME), medical supplies and home health care services
• Waive prior authorization – however, our notification requirement will remain in effect despite relaxed deadlines

In addition, Health Net will:

• Authorize out-of-network services if a contracting provider or facility becomes unavailable
• Grant post-admission notification approvals for impacted facilities.
• Accept updated clinical documentation for continued-stay reviews.
• Authorize the replacement of medical equipment or supplies.
• Suspend prescription refill limitations for impacted enrollees

Ongoing Support & Updates

As the situation evolves, Health Net may take further action to support members and providers. For the latest updates, visit HealthNet.com.

About Health Net  
Founded in California more than 45 years ago, Health Net, a company of Centene Corporation, believes that every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Today, we provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size and people who qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. With more than 117,000 of our network providers, Health Net serves more than three million members across the state. We also offer access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, employee assistance programs and managed healthcare products related to prescription drugs. We make these health plans and services available through Health Net, LLC and its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. Health Net and Centene employ more than 5,700 people in California who work at one of five regional Talent Hub offices. For more information, visit www.HealthNet.com.

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SOURCE Health Net

FAQ

What emergency services is Health Net (NYSE: CNC) providing for TCU Lightning Complex Fires victims?

Health Net is providing emergency prescription refills, 24/7 behavioral health support, free telehealth services, and access to social services through 211 for affected members.

How can Health Net members affected by the California fires get emergency prescriptions?

Members can fill prescriptions at their original pharmacy if open, or call Health Net at 1-800-400-8987 to get medications at out-of-network pharmacies with suspended refill limitations.

What mental health support is Health Net offering during the TCU Lightning Complex Fires?

Health Net offers 24/7 crisis support through their Behavioral Health Services at 1-800-400-8987, including trauma support, counselor referrals, and telephone consultations.

What provider accommodations is Health Net making during the California fire emergency?

Health Net is extending grace periods for notifications, waiving prior authorizations, allowing out-of-network services, and accepting post-admission notifications for affected providers.

How can Health Net members access telehealth services during the fire emergency?

Members can access free telehealth services through instructions found on their Health Net ID card or by registering and signing in at HealthNet.com.