In Wake Of Iowa Natural Disasters, Wellmark Eases Access To Care; Relaxes Policies, Pharmacy Refill Rules

June 19, 2008

DES MOINES – Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced today several steps the company is taking to ease the burden for members, group customers, and providers impacted by the recent natural disasters in Iowa, including flooding and tornadoes.

"Our hearts at Wellmark go out to all Iowans who are suffering as a result of these natural disasters, including the Wellmark employees in our Cedar Rapids office who have been dislodged indefinitely, many of whom also have experienced personal property losses, as well," says John Forsyth, chairman and CEO.

In an effort to ensure benefits continuation and access to care, Wellmark has instituted several actions to help those who have been impacted:

• Establishment of a Hotline Number for member questions: 1-800-892-2762 for:
  • Questions about benefits or access to care.
  • Help with problems in accessing care due to provider office closings.
  • Replacement of ID cards if lost or damaged, or changing addresses.

In addition, Wellmark is making several temporary policy changes to assist customers impacted by flooding or tornadoes in Iowa:

• Early Refills for Prescriptions. Members with coverage under Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc., can use an early refill program for prescription drugs lost, damaged or destroyed. To receive an early refill, members need only to ask their pharmacists to follow the established early refill process.

• Temporarily lifting some medical policies in an effort to ease access to care. 

• Allowing grace periods for premium payments as an option for impacted customers.

Wellmark also reminds its members they can always seek emergency care anywhere, as needed.

"Just as our Blue brand promises, Wellmark will make every effort to be there for our customers when and where they need us. We will make every attempt to accommodate our group customers and policyholders impacted by these disasters in the days and weeks to come," says Forsyth.

About Wellmark Inc.
Wellmark, Inc. (www.wellmark.com) does business as Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa.  Wellmark and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, including Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc., insure or pay health benefit claims for more than two million members in Iowa and South Dakota.  Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota, and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.