Help for Members Impacted by the Winter Storm in Amador, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma, and Tulare Counties
We are making temporary changes to health plan benefits to provide relief for members who live in Amador, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma, and Tulare Counties and are impacted by the current winter storm emergency. The changes are in effect from March 1, 2023, through April 1, 2023.
The changes also apply to emergency responders who have been activated to an impacted area by their state or local agency, but who do not live in the impacted area.
For assistance during this emergency, please call us at 1-866-926-8078. We are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. We can help with finding available dentists and other dental plan questions.
Emergency or urgent care
- You can receive emergency or urgent care from any dentist even if they are not in your plan's network. We will pay the claims as if they are in your plan's network.
- If your dentist's office or dental care facility is closed because of the fires or extreme hot weather, or if you are unable to travel there, call us at 1-866-926-8078. We can help you find another dentist.
Preapprovals or referrals
- You have more time to request them. There won't be any late fees. Call 1-866-926-8078 if you need an extension.
Filing a claim
- You and your dentists have more time to file claims. Call us at 1-866-926-8078 if you need an extension.
Dental plan premiums
- If you receive a bill directly from Golden West for your monthly insurance premium and are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the emergency, you have more time to pay your bill. Please call us at 1-866-926-8078 to discuss options.
These relaxed guidelines are in effect for the Amador, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma, and Tulare Counties of California from March 1, 2023, through April 1, 2023. The changes also apply to emergency responders who have been activated to the impacted area by their state or local agency, but who do not live in the impacted area.
The time period for updated support and care may change based on the conditions. Please check back here for updates.
If you need additional support, please call us at 1-866-926-8078.
The following notification statements are not affiliated with or applicable to Golden West Dental Plans:
- Providing continuity of care for insured persons participating in a care management program.
- Specific provision for mental health care for displaced persons for mental health concerns resulting from the disaster.
- Suspending prescription refill limitations and allow an impacted insured to refill his or her prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy, even if the prescription is not due for refill.
- Authorizing an enrollee to replace medical equipment or supplies.
