Blue Cross Reminds Louisianians to Consider Their Health Needs Ahead of Hurricane Season

BATON ROUGE, La. – June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season, which lasts until Nov. 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast that 2022 will be an above-average year for named storms to form.

During the past two years, Louisiana was hit by a record number of named storms, including the devastating hurricanes Ida and Laura. As hurricane season 2022 gets under way, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana reminds everyone to get prepared before a storm strikes.

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 health care needs. Pay close attention to weather alerts for your area so you'll know if a storm is headed toward you. In the event of a hurricane or severe weather, Blue Cross will post information about services to help members at www.bcbsla.com. Check the site for the most recent updates.

To learn more about hurricane preparedness, visit bcbsla.com/Summer or watch Blue Cross' short, animated video Get Health Ready for Hurricane Season (:33) for tips. Visit the State of Louisiana'sGet a Game Plan site for more information.

Hurricane Season Health Preparedness Tips

• Keep your health care coverage information handy, including your ID card. Know where your health plan information is at all times, and make sure to take it with you if you leave home. 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 health care 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 you're away, this will be very helpful.
• Take precautions against COVID-19. Be aware that COVID-19 protocols are based on how many cases are happening in a specific area. If you evacuate to another parish or state, rules may be different than in your home area. Keep in mind that shelters or transportation services for evacuation may enforce social distancing and face masks to limit the spread of the virus. Follow all local rules and public health guidelines.
• Sign up for telehealth services so you can be treated online if you're away from home. Ask your regular health care 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 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.

Visit the Blue Cross YouTube channel to see short videos on various health topics. Subscribe to know when new videos are added. You also can connect with Blue Cross on social media @BCBSLA for updates. Blue Cross posts regularly on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

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 have been recognized for the past three years 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.