December 30, 2025
Support for Wellcare members impacted by late December storms
On December 24, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in six California counties (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Shasta) due to the continuation of heavy rains, rockslides, mud slides, overflowing rivers and streams, and debris flow. Wellcare is providing assistance to members who may be affected by the late December storms.
We want to help ensure that members who have been or may be impacted, because they or their usual health care providers have been temporarily displaced, have continued access to health care services and prescriptions during the state of emergency.
Prior authorization, precertification and referrals
Wellcare is taking steps to ensure that participating providers in areas affected by the late December storms are able to continue providing care for members’ medical needs.
Participating providers may call the Provider Services Center using the contact information below this page for guidance on:
- Shortening time limits for health care service plans to approve prior authorization, precertification, or referrals, and extending the time that prior authorizations, precertification, and referrals for treatment remain valid.
- Approving out-of-network services in the event a contracting provider or facility becomes unavailable.
- Authorization for the replacement of medical equipment or supplies.
Filing claims
The deadline to file claims for providers with Wellcare patients impacted by the late December storms will be extended. Providers may contact the Provider Services Center using the contact information below for additional guidance on claims extension time frames.
Prescription information
Wellcare will approve any essential prescription medications (with current copayments and deductibles) for any member affected by this state of emergency. Wellcare will also suspend prescription refill limitations and allow an impacted enrollee to refill their prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy. Providers should inform their patients that to obtain an emergency supply, affected members can return to the pharmacy where the original prescription was filled. If the pharmacy is not open, affected members can contact Wellcare at 1-866-999-3945 for questions or assistance.
Member insurance cards and health care information
Members affected by this state of emergency who have lost their insurance card or who have health care questions during the state of emergency can contact Wellcare at 1-866-999-3945 for questions or assistance.
Coping assistance
Wellcare members who need behavioral health assistance due to this state of emergency may call Wellcare at 1-866-999-3945 for referrals to mental health counselors, local resources or telephonic consultations to help them cope with stress, grief, loss or other trauma resulting from the bird flu.
Additional information
Depending on how the bird flu and mitigation efforts by the state progress, Wellcare may make additional changes to its policies as needed to ensure members have access to necessary health care services.
If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact the Provider Services Center by phone at 1-866-999-3945 or through the provider website at provider.wellcare.com/california.
This information applies to Physicians, Independent Practice Associations (IPAs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.
