How to Get Care During a Disaster or Public Health Emergency
When a disaster or a public health emergency is declared at the county, state, or federal level, we take actions to ensure our members in the affected areas can get the medical care they need.
To learn more about Alignment Health Plan's Disaster Policy, click here.
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- If you need care now and are unable to see your Primary Care Provider (PCP), call our Virtual Care Center.
- If your PCP’s office is closed, we can help you find another PCP who can provide the care you need.
- No PCP referral is required for specialist visits within current evacuation zones.
- No prior authorization is needed for medically necessary services. Please be sure to use only Medicare-certified providers and facilities. You can verify by asking the provider or facility if they participate in the Medicare program.
- We will provide the same cost-sharing for in-network and out-of-network facilities during this time.
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- If you need help refilling lost or damaged medications or finding a different network pharmacy, please call the Virtual Care Center.
- If you are currently using mail-order pharmacy services and have a change of address, please contact your pharmacy to update your information.
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- If you need medical equipment and supplies, please call the Virtual Care Center. Our team will assist you in obtaining the necessary items.
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- If you are displaced or facing housing challenges due to the evacuation, please call the Virtual Care Center. Our team will connect you with resources to address your immediate needs.
For members impacted by the Los Angeles and Ventura county wildfires and windstorms (updated January 15, 2025)
We know that many of our Medicare Advantage members in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are impacted by the recent wildfires, and some of you may be in evacuation zones. Please know that we are here for you, and your health and safety are our top priorities.
For the latest updates on the wildfires, we recommend checking these state resources:
Staying Safe During a Wildfire
Visit ready.gov/wildfires for more information on how to stay safe during a wildfire.
- Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which requires no-sign up.
- Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so.
- Check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters or check open locations on the FEMA app. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app for a list of open Red Cross shelters in your area.
- Consider making plans with friends or family to shelter with them where you may be safer and more comfortable.
- If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.
- Protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Pay attention to air quality reports.
- Follow instructions about exercise and going outside from your health care provider, especially if you have asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition.
- Think about evacuating if you have trouble breathing or other symptoms that do not get better.
- Stay inside as much as possible. Keep windows and doors closed and turn on an HVAC system with a filter or use a portable air filter if available. If your system has fresh air intake, set the system to "recirculate" mode.
- If you must go outdoors, use an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation or limit your exposure to smoke.
Additional Resources to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) online resources below for more information on how to protect yourself and your family during a wildfire.
Emergency Preparedness
Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.