Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota members affected by flooding in the Minot and Bismarck areas will not have to pay higher costs if they need to use health care services outside their home area or network.
"We want the many people throughout western North Dakota displaced or affected by flooding to know if they need to use medical services outside of where they normally go that they can feel comfortable doing so," said BCBSND President and CEO Paul von Ebers. "The last thing they should have to worry about is higher cost-sharing amounts during these difficult times."
Normally, members who have specific coverage regarding medical providers would pay more money if they use out-of-network services. This policy change goes into effect for covered services used on or after May 15, 2011, until August 31, 2011, or the duration of the flooding.
Along with a broader area of service, members affected by flooding in North Dakota are also able to receive early refills for prescription medications and have an extended time period to make their premium payments.
BCBSND members are being strongly encouraged to call Member Services at the phone number on the back of their member ID card or at 1-844-363-8457 to inform BCBSND of their situation, so BCBSND can provide the best services possible.
