Support for Wellcare members as California prepares for severe weather impacts
On September 21, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency statewide due to the developing 2026–2027 El Niño event. Wellcare will provide assistance to members affected by the potential severe weather impacts and destruction because of the El Niño event.
We want to help ensure that members who may be impacted, because they or their usual healthcare providers may be temporarily displaced, have continued access to healthcare services and prescriptions during the state of emergency.
Here is what you need to know.
Prior authorization, precertification and referrals
Wellcare is taking steps to ensure that participating providers in areas affected by the El Niño event will be 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 healthcare 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 impacted by the El Niño event 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 physician-administered medications for any member whose medication treatment is interrupted by the El Niño event. Wellcare will also suspend refill limitations and allow an impacted enrollee to refill their prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy. If the pharmacy is not open due to the state of emergency, affected members can contact Member Services at 866-999-3945 for questions or assistance.
Member insurance cards and healthcare information
Members whose insurance cards have been lost or left behind due to the El Niño event and members who have healthcare questions during the El Niño event can contact Member Services at 866-999-3945 for assistance.
Coping assistance
Members who become displaced due to the El Niño event may call 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 El Niño event.
Additional information
Depending on how the 2026-2027 El Niño event progresses, Wellcare may make additional changes to its policies as needed to ensure members have access to necessary healthcare services.
If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact the Provider Services Center at 866-999-3945.
