CVS Health supporting customers, patients, members and colleagues amid California wildfires

Rhea-AI Summary

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) has implemented comprehensive measures to support communities affected by California wildfires. CVS Pharmacy stores are reopening where safe, with pharmacy lines rerouted to nearby locations to ensure prescription access. The company is enabling one-time emergency 30-day medication refills through CVS Caremark for plan members in impacted areas.

CVS Specialty is actively contacting patients to arrange alternate delivery arrangements and medication access. Aetna has expanded its clinical response teams for Medicare and Commercial members, allowing emergency care access anywhere needed. The company has also extended its Resources For Living (RFL) services, offering mental health support and community resources through a dedicated crisis support line at 1-833-327-AETNA.

Positive

• Emergency prescription refills enabled for affected areas
• Flexible medication delivery arrangements for specialty patients
• Extended emergency care coverage for Aetna members
• Additional supplies of essential items being distributed to stores

Negative

• Temporary store closures in affected areas

Insights

Healthcare Operations Analyst

CVS Health's comprehensive emergency response to California wildfires demonstrates robust business continuity planning but represents standard operating procedure during natural disasters. The key operational adjustments include:

• Emergency prescription refills and rerouting of pharmacy services
• Flexible delivery arrangements for specialty medications
• Expanded access to emergency care for Aetna members
• Mental health support through Resources For Living

While these measures are essential for maintaining service continuity, they are unlikely to materially impact CVS's financial performance or stock value. The temporary store closures and emergency provisions typically result in revenue displacement rather than loss, as patients will still require their medications. The costs associated with these emergency measures are generally factored into the company's risk management planning.

Risk Management Expert

The company's disaster response protocol reveals sophisticated risk mitigation strategies that protect both operational continuity and brand reputation. The multi-faceted approach spanning pharmacy operations, insurance services and employee support showcases CVS's resilience to natural disasters. The most notable aspects include:

• Proactive supply chain management with increased emergency supplies
• Integration of digital communication systems for patient notifications
• Flexible insurance claim policies to ensure continued care access

These measures effectively minimize potential service disruptions and associated liability risks. However, given CVS's extensive geographic diversification and robust insurance coverage, the localized impact of these wildfires is unlikely to materially affect the company's overall risk profile or financial stability.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is actively supporting its customers, members, provider partners and colleagues as they respond to the California wildfires. The company prioritizes the health and safety of impacted communities and is dedicated to providing access to the products and services they need.

• CVS Pharmacy stores are reopening as it is safe to do so. If a store has not yet reopened, the pharmacy's phone lines will be rerouted to a nearby open CVS Pharmacy to help patients access their prescriptions. Patients with a scheduled vaccination will be notified of any changes to their appointment by email or text message. Stores are also receiving additional supplies of essential and emergency items.
• CVS Caremark®, the company's pharmacy benefit manager, is enabling pharmacy claims for one-time emergency refills of a 30-day supply of medication for plan members in impacted areas.
• CVS Specialty® patients who are within the emergency area and are taking specialty medications will be contacted to discuss alternate delivery arrangements, if needed. CVS Specialty is actively reaching out to patients in emergency-affected areas who need to schedule or reschedule their orders. Order deliveries are being redirected to patients' temporary addresses as needed. Outreach efforts will continue to ensure all patients have access to the medications they require.
• Aetna® clinical response teams have expanded their engagement with Medicare and Commercial members in potentially impacted areas to ensure member safety and access to emergency services.
• Aetna members affected by these wildfires can also seek emergency care anywhere, as needed. Aetna will monitor the impact the wildfires have on its network doctors, hospitals and other health care providers and will modify its policies as necessary for providers and members to enable access to care. Providers and members can contact customer service with any questions.
• Additionally, Aetna is expanding its Resources For Living (RFL) services to ensure individuals and organizations have access to care regardless of whether it is part of their existing benefits. Services include in-the-moment mental health phone support, a dedicated crisis support website and community resource information. Individuals and organizations who do not have RFL can call 1-833-327-AETNA, and those with RFL should contact their designated RFL number.
• CVS Health is contacting colleagues who are in impacted areas to confirm they are safe and offer crisis support. Information about community resources and emotional support services is available through the company's employee assistance program.

CVS Health is also working with disaster relief organizations to provide on-the-ground support for local communities.

About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues — including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health — whether that's managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system — and their personal health care — by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media. 

Media contact
Kara Page
401-302-9353
Kara.Page@CVSHealth.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-health-supporting-customers-patients-members-and-colleagues-amid-california-wildfires-302348468.html

SOURCE CVS Health

FAQ

How are CVS pharmacies handling prescriptions during California wildfires?

CVS is rerouting pharmacy phone lines to nearby open locations and enabling one-time emergency 30-day medication refills for affected areas.

What emergency services is CVS providing during the 2025 California wildfires?

CVS is providing emergency prescription refills, flexible delivery arrangements, expanded Aetna clinical services, mental health support, and additional essential supplies to affected areas.

How can Aetna members access emergency care during California wildfires?

Aetna members can seek emergency care anywhere as needed, with expanded clinical response team support for Medicare and Commercial members.

What mental health support is CVS offering during California wildfire crisis?

CVS is offering Resources For Living (RFL) services, including mental health phone support and crisis resources, accessible through 1-833-327-AETNA.