When a natural disaster strikes, Regence is here to support your care needs

Expanded medication access for members affected by flooding

If you find yourself displaced by flooding and don’t have the medications you need to stay healthy, Regence has your back. Call us. Pharmacy customer service is available 24/7. We can help.

Refilling important prescriptions during an emergency

If a state of emergency has been declared in your area due to flooding, you may be able to refill prescriptions at any pharmacy, even if it is out of network. Regence waives refill restrictions during officially declared emergencies and will work with your provider to resolve questions and secure any needed authorizations.

If your usual pharmacy is closed or inaccessible due to road closures or flood damage, we can help you locate another nearby pharmacy with your medications in stock. We will work with you, your doctor and the pharmacy to make sure you continue to receive the care you need.

If you need help, call us at the number on the back of your member ID card. You can also chat with us online in the Regence app or by signing in to your account at regence.com. 

Getting emergency medical care during a natural disaster

Any Regence member is encouraged to go to the nearest hospital for emergency care. While that hospital may be out of Regence’s provider network, services will be covered at the in-network rate, so members would pay the same as an in-network provider.

For non-emergency care – especially if flooding makes travel unsafe – consider telehealth. Sign in to your account at regence.com to see what virtual health options are available to you.

How to make an emergency plan for prescription medications

Severe storms and flooding can disrupt daily routines and limit access to medical facilities. While it may feel intuitive to stockpile medications, we do not recommend storing large quantities for long periods. Some medications expire quickly or require specific handling and storage. We cannot guarantee the safety or efficacy of medications stored for a long period of time.

Instead, plan ahead by:

• Making a medication list. Write down the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take regularly, including dosages. Keep your list and phone numbers for your doctors and pharmacies in a waterproof bag or container.
• Carrying your member ID card or downloading the Regence app so you can access your information from your phone if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Refilling medications as soon as you are able. Consider ordering an extended supply (e.g. up to 90 days) through home delivery or retail pharmacies, and don’t wait until you are out of medication to refill your prescription.
• Keeping your medications together. Keep them in their original containers with original labels and store them in a waterproof bag or container in case you need to leave home quickly.
• Preparing for special medication needs. If your medication requires refrigeration or electronic equipment, have a backup plan for temporary storage, especially important during power outage or when staying in shelters.
• Sharing your medication disaster plan with your doctor. This is especially important if your medication has special handling and shipping requirements or uses electronic equipment. If your child takes medication, share the plan with their school or daycare as well.

Managing ongoing care management needs

If you work with a care manager due to a chronic or complex condition and you have been displaced by flooding or expect to evacuate, please contact your care manager as soon as you can. You can also call the number on the back of your member ID card so we can help you maintain continuity of care.

We’re here to help

If you need support during the current flooding or as you prepare for future emergencies, Regence is here for you. Regence members can sign in at regence.com or download the app for 24/7 access to their health plan information and resources. Our Customer Service team is also available by phone or through live chat when you are signed in to your account.

Supporting local disaster response efforts

In addition to helping members access the care and medications they need, our corporate foundation is contributing to broader relief efforts by supporting organizations that are responding to the flooding. This includes $25,000 in direct support distributed across three local disaster-response partners serving the hardest-hit areas: the American Red Cross – Northwest Washington, Helping Hands and Community Action of Skagit County. These organizations are on the ground providing shelter, supplies and assistance to affected people and families.