Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is deeply concerned about our members and communities in western North Carolina after the devastation of Hurricane Helene and is taking action. To provide immediate relief, Blue Cross NC is implementing measures to increase the availability of health care services and help members access the care they need as quickly as possible.  

Blue Cross NC has made emergency adjustments to its policies to help members in western North Carolina get the care they need: 

  • Blue Cross NC is contacting members with critical health needs to connect them to care and needed supplies. 

  • Members and employers in impacted areas have an extra 30 days to pay their premiums. 

  • Telehealth is available for members who aren’t able to see a provider in person, including telephone or audio-only visits.  

  • Members can request early prescription refills to restore lost or missing medications and opt to transfer their prescriptions to a different pharmacy if their regular pharmacy is not available. To locate an open pharmacy in western North Carolina, visit https://www.ncbop.org/emergencyoperatingpharmacieshelene.html 

These measures will remain in effect through the state of disaster declaration and will be re-evaluated as necessary. Additional information on these flexibilities is available at www.bluecrossnc.com/helene, and doctors, hospitals and other providers can find the latest updates on the Provider News Page. 

Members who have questions about their coverage or who need help accessing care, should call the number on the back of their member ID card or 888-206-4697.

Members who are in crisis and have access to communications should use these resources:  

  • Visit ReadyNC.gov for information on shelters, evacuations, road conditions and more.  

  • Call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162, a hotline provided by United Way of North Carolina to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community.   

  • Get confidential counseling, referrals or other support anytime by calling the Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990. 

  • You can apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency by visiting FEMA.gov⁠ or calling 1-800-621-3362 between 7 AM -11 PM daily.