In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, Amerigroup Georgia along with the Amerigroup Georgia Foundation have launched several support efforts to help its members, residents and communities who have been impacted by the storm. Amerigroup Georgia is working with disaster relief partners to assist impacted residents and first responders. In addition, we have revised pharmacy and health care guidelines to make it easier for our Medicaid members to access needed services and increased support services during this traumatic time.

Amerigroup Georgia members in impacted areas of the state can also access medical care and prescription drugs by:

• Visiting either in-network or out-of-network physicians or service providers;

• Contacting In-network pharmacies which can provide refills of approved medication if medication has been lost or damaged in the flood;

• Or requesting replacements for medical equipment and supplies that have been damaged or lost in the floods.

These adjusted pharmacy guidelines are effective immediately and will remain in effect through September 21, 2017.

“Amerigroup Georgia is providing the necessary programs to ensure our members receive access to health care services during this challenging time,” said Melvin Lindsey, president of Amerigroup Georgia. “We will continue to collaborate with first-responders and disaster relief organizations, to help our members remain safe and receive the medical attention needed. We want to thank the American Red Cross for all they are doing to help area residents and we remain committed to supporting our members and the entire Georgia community, as they endure the impact by Hurricane Irma.”

Amerigroup’s parent company Foundation has also partnered with the American Red Cross, as a $1 million-level member of its 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 area residents and first responders statewide.

As part of its normal disaster preparedness planning, the Red Cross has shelters prepared to serve at least 120,000 evacuees impacted by Irma. To identify the nearest shelter and help, we encourage people to download and use the Red Cross Emergency App.

The Foundation has also pledged to match all of its associate donations to its employee assistance fund and the American Red Cross dollar for dollar.

Additionally, Amerigroup’s parent company Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant to AmeriCares to support its Emergency Response Partner Program, which provides medicine, medical supplies and mental health services to those experiencing disaster-related trauma.