Important Notice: Carrier Responses to California Wildfires

At United Agencies, our hearts are with everyone affected by the Southern California wildfires. We understand these ongoing fires have brought significant challenges to our communities and we want you to know that we’re here to support you during this difficult time.
For those who have healthcare and other types of group benefits through us, the following is a list of carrier information to help you get the support you need as quickly as possible:
Aetna: To assist affected members, Aetna created a dedicated disaster resources for California members page where you can find detailed information about the services and support Aetna is offering during this crisis.
Anthem Blue Cross: Anthem Blue Cross is making changes to health plan benefits to provide relief and ensure healthcare access for our members who live in Los Angeles and Ventura counties in California and are impacted by the Palisades wildfire and windstorm conditions. Click here to view link. The changes are in effect January 7 through February 5, 2025. 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.
Blue Shield of California: Blue Shield of California is, as always, working hard to ensure the safety and care of all Blue Shield of California members. The following is a centralized resource for how Blue Shield of California members - Click here to view link.
Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC)
Directs Health Plans: Please Click Here to View Newly Released Informational PDF.
Guardian: Several ways to submit a claim (including for Guardian Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, or Disability Insurance):
- Online through GuardianLife.com.
- By phone at 888-GUARDIAN (888-482-7342) from 8:00AM to 8:30PM (ET)
- And by email, mail, or fax using downloadable forms available on the Guardian website. Click Here.
Lincoln Financial: Lincoln is contacting potentially affected claimants and employers to explain how their team will meet their needs during this challenging time. They are:
- Exercising leniency in time-period extensions: This allowance applies to notice of loss, proof of loss, medical record due dates, repayments due to overpayment, and appeal deadlines.
- Accepting verbal address change requests: They’re pausing their best practice of requesting address changes in writing, provided claimants verbally confirm appropriate information to establish identity.
- Offering direct deposit for short-term disability claims: Typically, this option is only for long-term disability claims.
- Waiving the waiting period for lost check replacements: This change ensures we can reissue benefits quickly.
You may access the Lincoln Financial Portal Here.
Sun Life: Sun Life recognizes that many lost their homes or place of business and need extra time to make payments, help with filing claims, report a temporary address change or switch to direct deposit to receive disability and other claim payments without disruption. Employees may also need help with getting replacement glasses or finding a temporary dentist that is open.
If help is needed, contact Sun Life at the following phone numbers:
- Client/Member Services: 800-247-6875
- Dental insurance: 888-811-1240
- Vision insurance: 800-877-7195
Additional Sun Life Support Resources:
- For Clients who have EAP By Design through Sun Life, sign into your GuidanceResources.com account and enter your Web ID.
- For Clients who do not have EAP through Sun Life, you can find helpful resources by visiting GuidanceResources.com/crisis.
- For Clients who have Vision insurance through Sun Life, members may find helpful resources by visiting Disaster.vsp.com.
Additional Special Assistance Information for Members Affected by Palisades Fire and Windstorm Conditions
Cigna: For the Cigna Disaster Resource Center - Click Here to View.
- EAP Tools for HR and Managers: EAPmanager.cigna.com/
- Mental Health Support line (open to non-members): call (866) 912-1687
- Veteran Support Line: call (855) 244-6211
- Coping with loss due to fire: Cigna Knowledge Center - Click to View.
Kaiser Permanente: For Kaiser main information and news for members impacted in So. Cal, Click Here.
- Kaiser Appointment and Advice Center: Call (833) 574-2273.
- Mental health and wellness support: Click Here.
- Member Services: Call (800) 464-4000; be sure to let the representative know you’ve been affected by the fires.
MetLife: For MetLife Wildfire Support, Click Here.
Mutual of Omaha: For Mutual of Omaha Wildfire information: Click Here.
- Claims Assistance: Call (800) 877-5176
- Member Services: Call (800) 369-3809
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program: Call (800) 316-2796
UnitedHealthcare: UHC Disaster Relief Info: https://www.uhc.com/disaster-relief-info.
- For UHC emotional support during wildfires please call (866) 447-3573
Health Net:
To ensure members have uninterrupted access to essential prescription medications and healthcare services, Health Net is providing special assistance to members affected by the Los Angeles and Ventura County Fires and windstorm conditions. Click Here to View. For general information regarding Health Net’s disaster relief response please Click Here.
Your safety and peace of mind remain our top priority. If you need assistance with your insurance claims or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. A United Agencies representative is available and ready to help.
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