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We are saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike and recognize that members may be displaced from their homes and cut off from their usual sources of health care and medications.

As a result, we have modified requirements related to our medical and pharmacy policies in areas affected by Hurricane Ike to help members access care – and to make it easier for you to provide that care. The modifications described below are in place for Aetna members from the following Texas counties through at least October 8th 2008:

Angelina	Austin	Brazoria	Brazos
Chambers	Cherokee	Fort Bend	Galveston
Gregg	Grimes	Hardin	Harris
Houston	Jackson	Jasper	Jefferson
Liberty	Madison	Matagorda	Montgomery
Nacogdoches	Newton	Orange	Polk
Rusk	San Augustine	San Jacinto	Sabine
Trinity	Tyler	Walker	Waller
Washington	Wharton

Medical and pharmacy policies modified

• Members who cannot go to Aetna participating physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals may seek care out of their network and in any state. These services will be covered at the member’s preferred (in-network) level of benefit.
  
  
• Members in plans that require the use of a primary care physician (PCP) may seek care from any PCP, specialist, or health care professional, regardless of whether the provider is a participating or nonparticipating provider, and without the need for a referral.
  
  
• Medical precertification, referrals and notification of hospital admissions are not required for services covered under the member’s plan.
  
  
• Members may refill prescriptions even if they are not due to be filled until a later date. Those who use our mail-order pharmacy will have lost or damaged medications replaced at no additional cost. Mail-order medications can also be mailed to an alternative address.
  
  
• Immunizations for Hepatitis B and Tetanus/Diphtheria (CPT codes 90702 and 90746) for members in affected areas are covered regardless if the plan contains a routine/preventative benefit as long as the date of service is between 09/07/08 and 10/08/08. These immunizations will also be covered for returning residents and emergency responders in the above listed counties.
• Members whose physicians cannot follow usual pharmacy precertification or step-therapy procedures may obtain a 30-day supply of medication.
  
  

Employee Assistance Program services available to all Aetna members
The Aetna Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offering telephonic consulting services to support any Aetna member affected by this tragic event, regardless of whether they are members of our EAP program or not. EAP professionals who take the calls through the Aetna Employee Assistance toll-free number (1-888-238-6232) are available all day, every day, to assist members and provide referrals for further help, if necessary.

We will continue to evaluate the situation and determine whether these modifications should be extended beyond October 8th. Find additional hurricane information.