Blue Cross Encourages Louisianians to Prepare for Hurricane Season

BATON ROUGE, La. – Last year was an active hurricane season in which Louisiana was hit by a record number of named storms, including the devastating Hurricane Laura. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 9-15), Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana encourages everyone to make plans and consider what you’ll need to do if a storm strikes. 

Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. But, named storms formed in May last year. And while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will issue its official 2021 hurricane season outlook later this month, early indications are that it could be another active year for storms. Pay close attention to weather alerts for your area. 

As you make plans for what your family will do in the event of tropical weather, either sheltering in place or evacuating to another location, consider your healthcare needs:

• Keep your healthcare coverage information handy, including your ID card. Blue Cross customers can log into their member accounts to get a digital version of their ID cards. Many other health plans offer digital versions of ID cards, which is an easy way to keep this information with you.  
  
  
• Make a list of your family’s health information, including any medications you take with dosages and the names of your healthcare providers and their contact information. Store this on your phone, or keep a written copy in your wallet or somewhere else it will be with you if you leave home. If you need to get care or get a prescription filled while away, this will be very helpful. 
  
  
• Sign up for telehealth services so you can be treated online if you’re away from home. Ask your regular healthcare providers if they offer telehealth services. Blue Cross customers can have 24/7 online doctor visits with BlueCare, the insurer’s telehealth platform. 

BlueCare works on any device with internet and a camera, like a smartphone, laptop, tablet or computer, and is a good option to treat routine, non-emergency medical conditions like cold, pink eye, mild stomach viruses, bladder infections, rashes and more. BlueCare is available in all 50 states, and BlueCare providers can write prescriptions to treat many conditions via telehealth. 

BlueCare is easy to use and costs less than ER or urgent care visits. What you pay for a BlueCare visit depends on your plan type and benefits. Before your visit begins, you’ll see what it will cost. You will not be charged until your visit is finished. Create your BlueCare account at www.BlueCareLA.com or with the BlueCare (one word) mobile app for Apple and Android devices. 

Be aware that social distancing restrictions and face mask mandates may be in effect at shelters or when evacuating to limit the spread of COVID-19. Follow all rules and public health guidelines.

To learn more about hurricane preparedness and other summer health tips, visit bcbsla.com/Summer or watch Blue Cross’ short video on Summer Ready: Preparing Your Health for Hurricanes (1:00). Visit the State of Louisiana’s Get a Game Plan site for more information.  

Visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana YouTube page to see short videos on various health topics. Subscribe to know when new videos are added. You can also connect with Blue Cross on social media for regular updates.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Founded in New Orleans in 1934, we are a tax-paying nonprofit health insurer with offices in every major region to serve our customers. We were recognized in 2019 and 2020 as an honoree of The Civic 50, named by Points of Light as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We are a private mutual company, owned by our policyholders, with an independent Louisiana Board of Directors and no shareholders. We invite all Louisianians to visit our website at www.bcbsla.com or talk to us on social media.