Important Information About Hurricane Debby

Attention First Choice VIP Care Plus members and providers:

Due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Debby, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency for South Carolina. First Choice VIP Care Plus will remain committed to serving the needs of our members and providers. Here is some important information about getting care during the storm.

Offices and staff in unaffected regions, as well as the Nurse Advice Call Line, will be available to assist plan members with urgent needs. The Nurse Advice Call Line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-855-843-1147 (TTY 711). If you have an emergency, please dial 911.

If you are trying to reach us by phone, you may experience longer than usual hold times. Please know your call is important to us, and we thank you for your patience.

Please note that normal prior authorization requirements for medical services will be relaxed for the duration of the declared state of emergency to ensure member needs are met:

• Members may refill their regular medications earlier than usual to ensure a sufficient supply.
• Use of out-of-network pharmacies is authorized when access to in-network pharmacies is unavailable or when traveling to in-network pharmacies is difficult, unsafe, or not practical. Please note that First Choice VIP Care Plus members can access a large network of pharmacies (including CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and others) in any state.
• Prior authorization requests which are delayed due to the storm will be reviewed.
• Prior authorization requests to out of network providers will be approved if a member is/was unable to access a participating provider due to the storm.
• Providers, please note that administrative denials for late notification will be waived at this time.
• Medically necessary emergency care will be covered. If you are having an emergency, please call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.

We will provide further information and updates, as they become available.

Important numbers and resources:

First Choice VIP Care Plus Member Services: 1-888-978-0862 (TTY 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.

Nurse Advice Call Line: 1-855-843-1147 (TTY 711), 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

First Choice VIP Care Plus Prior Authorization: 1-888-244-5410 (phone) 1-888-257-7960 (fax)

For the latest information on Hurricane Debby in our state, please visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website at www.scemd.org.