Anthem: TX – FEMA Disaster Declaration Issued Due to Winter Storm & SEP
Anthem BCBS communication from 2/23/21:
In regards to the recent weather storm in TX, a disaster declaration was issued by the TX Governor on 2/12 in all 254 counties, and a FEMA disaster declaration was approved on 2/14. Therefore, the SEP for the Texas winter storm will be 2/12/2021 – 6/12/2021. Please see the MCMG guidance below and links to the aforementioned disaster declarations:
- SEP for Individuals Affected by a FEMA-Declared Weather Related Emergency or Major Disaster
42 CFR 422.62(b)(4)
(Rev. 1, Issued: July 31, 2018; Effective/Implementation: 07-30-2018)
A SEP exists for individuals affected by a weather-related emergency or major disaster who were unable to, and did not make an election during another valid election period. This includes both enrollment and disenrollment elections. Individuals will be considered “affected” and eligible for this SEP if they:
- Reside, or resided at the start of the incident period, in an area for which FEMA has declared an emergency or a major disaster and has designated affected counties as being eligible to apply for individual or public level assistance;
- Had another valid election period at the time of incident period; and
- Did not make an election during that other valid election period.
In addition, the SEP is available to those individuals who don’t live in the affected areas but rely on help making healthcare decisions from friends or family members who live in the affected areas. The SEP is available from the start of the incident period and for four full calendar months thereafter.
TX Governor Disaster Declaration Statement 2/12
FEMA Disaster Declaration Statement 2/14
https://www.fema.gov/node/613509
If you have any further questions regarding this SEP, please contact your CSM rep.