(The Union Pacific Railroad Employees health Systems issued the following press release on October 22.)
CLEVELAND, October 26 — Union Pacific Railroad Employes Health Systems (UPREHS) is assisting our member Union Pacific Railroad workers to cope with disruptions in their health care needs due to the wild fires in Southern California. Special arrangements are made for union agreement workers belonging to the UPREHS plans who are in the affected area. These special arrangements will be effective for health services and prescription drugs from October 22, 2007 through October 31, 2007.
MEDICAL: Covered medical services obtained during this time by affected members will be paid at 100% of the in-network benefit level if the doctor or facility is not participating with UPREHS. We are aware that there may be an acute shortage of providers in these areas.
Required pre-authorization or pre-certification, such as in-patient hospitalization will be waived for affected members and no penalties will be assessed.
MENTAL HEALTH: Mental health and substance abuse services provided by a licensed professional will be paid at 100% of the plan allowable rate, up to ten (10) visits, whether or not the services were performed by an approved provider. Special accommodation will be made for both in-patient and outpatient treatment for affected members.
PRESCRIPTIONS: The UPREHS Mail Order Pharmacy will replace lost or damaged prescriptions. Medications sensitive to temperature will not be shipped until UPREHS can confirm contact with the member. UPREHS will rapidly ship to a temporary or alternate address whenever members request it.
Affected members who are out of medication and/or have not been able to order or receive medications from the UPREHS Mail Order Pharmacy will be authorized to obtain up to a 30-day supply of medication through a retail pharmacy. When approved, UPREHS will make adjustments or refunds for applicable copayments and out-of-network prescription costs.
FAMILY SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE: The UPREHS Family Supplemental Plans will recognize the National Health and Welfare eligibility determinations for any covered family members of affected members.
UPREHS members who have questions about coverage, eligibility, finding a provider, or filling a prescription should call UPREHS Customer Service at
1-800-547-0421 or visit www.uphealth.com on the Internet.