GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the devastating floods in Texas, Amerigroup Texas along with the Amerigroup Foundation have launched several support efforts to help its members, residents and communities across the state who have been impacted by recent events. Amerigroup is working with disaster relief partners to assist impacted residents and first responders. The health plan has also revised pharmacy and health care guidelines to make it easier for its Amerigroup Medicaid, Medicare, and Medicare-Medicaid Plan members to access needed services and supports during this traumatic time.
The Amerigroup Foundation has also partnered with the American Red Cross, as a $1 million-level member of our Annual Disaster Giving Program, to support impacted residents. Local Red Cross personnel and shelters will be providing meals, relief supplies, support, and other assistance to thousands of Texans and first responders statewide. Red Cross health workers are also helping impacted Texans replace needed items such as prescription medications and eyeglasses, while mental health workers are offering counseling and support to those who are struggling to cope with the disaster.
The Amerigroup Foundation has also pledged to match all of its associate donations to its employee assistance fund and the American Red Cross at 100 percent through September 30.
“Our contributions enable the Red Cross to respond immediately, meeting the needs of individuals and families affected by disaster anywhere in Texas and across the country. We want to thank the American Red Cross of Greater Houston and Portlight Strategies Inc. for helping our fellow Texans during this critical time,” said Tisch Scott, Amerigroup Texas president. “While our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our members, we remain committed to providing the programs and services needed for families and the community at large.”
Adjusting medical and pharmacy benefits is critical and just one of the ways we are helping Amerigroup Medicaid, Medicare, and Medicare-Medicaid Plan members in impacted areas access needed medical care and prescription drugs:
- Affected members can see both in-network and out-of-network physicians and service providers to access needed care and services.
- In-network pharmacies will allow impacted members to request refills of approved medication if medication has been lost or damaged in the flood.
- Members can request replacements for medical equipment and supplies that have been damaged or lost in the floods.
Additionally, through a $25,000 grant, the Amerigroup Foundation has engaged partner organization, Portlight Strategies Inc.'s efforts, an information hub and on the ground responders during and after natural disasters for people with disabilities and older Americans. Amerigroup Texas will also be donating and transporting portable USB solar chargers and power banks to the greater Houston area in an effort to ensure that individuals impacted by flooding can access assistance via their mobile phones.
These changes will be in place until further assessment of upcoming disaster declarations by Governor Greg Abbott, and apply only to residents of flood-impacted areas. For updates and information about impacted areas, visit: https://gov.texas.gov/news/category/press-release
Additionally, Amerigroup’s customer service representatives are actively taking calls from members who need help accessing services, understanding benefits, replacing ID cards and more. Members can call the following numbers for assistance:
- Amerigroup Medicaid customer service at 1-800-600-4441 (TTY: 711)
- Amerigroup members in need of behavioral health support can call 1-800- 600-4441
- Amerigroup Medicare at 1-888-873-0131 (TTY: 711)
- Amerigroup Medicare-Medicaid Plan at 855-878-1784 (TTY: 711)
- Amerigroup’s 24-hour nurse help line, seven days a week, at 1-866-864-2544 (TTY: 711)
For more information about Amerigroup Texas services, benefits and contacts, visit www.myamerigroup.com/TX for Medicaid and www.myamerigroup.com/medicare for Medicare.
ABOUT AMERIGROUP TEXAS
Amerigroup Texas helps improve health care access and quality for approximately 850,000 low-income Texans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup Texas provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their health care. Through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle.