Natural Disaster Planning and Emergency Preparedness
September 4, 2008

Dear Peach State Providers:

As you probably know by now, Georgia is currently in the watch area for several hurricanes that could impact our state. Should the hurricane affect Georgia, Peach State members may be displaced from their homes and forced to evacuate to other regions and possibly other states.

In the event of a natural disaster, Peach State has implemented the procedures below to ensure that our members are able to receive timely access to health care should the need arise.

• In the event of an emergency evacuation or other natural disaster, Peach State members have been instructed to seek health care services from the closest hospital or other emergency provider and notify the plan once they receive care.
• Peach State will cover health care services that any member needs as a result of an evacuation or other natural disaster.
• In this situation, members have been advised that they do not need to obtain a referral or approval from the plan in order to obtain services.
• Peach State will assist in coordinating and arranging care where needed, but providers will not need to obtain prior approval in order to be reimbursed for care provided during this time.
• We will cover the services even if the provider is not participating in our network.
• If you have questions about these procedures, please contact the Provider Solutions Department at 866-874-0633.

We hope that no one will be displaced because of the storm, however, should a Peach State member require care, we want you to know that we will cover the reimbursement for care provided during the displacement.

Yours in Good Health,

Peach State Health Plan

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