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Anthem has announced temporary relief measures for members affected by the Gann Fire in Calaveras County, California. Effective August 6 through September 5, 2026, impacted members may access care from non-network providers at in-network benefit levels, obtain emergency prescription refills, replace lost medical equipment, and receive extensions for certain health plan requirements such as referrals, preauthorization's, and claims submissions. Receiving care during the emergency You can receive care from any appropriate doctor, even if they’re not in your plan’s network. Anthem will cover the claims as if they are in your plan’s network. If your doctor’s office or healthcare facility is closed because of the emergency, or if you’re unable to travel there, Anthem can help you find another doctor. Prescription drug refills If your Anthem plan covers your prescription medicines, you can get up to one 30-day emergency supply. Refill limitations are suspended during the emergency, except for certain prescription drugs with a high likelihood of abuse, such as opioids. Preapprovals or referrals You have more time to request them. There won’t be any late fees. Filing a claim You and your doctors have more time to file claims. The dates and locations for these relaxed guidelines may change based on conditions. These changes are for impacted members who live in the impacted Calaveras County, California, and who have Anthem group health plans through their employers, or Anthem individual and family plans. They do not apply to Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans, or fully insured trust funds. These plans have their own guidelines. For More InformationContact your Dickerson Sales Representative for additional guidance and resources available.

Blue Shield of California and Cedars-Sinai Health System have reached a new long-term agreement that ensures the nonprofit health plan’s Commercial HMO and PPO members will continue to have in-network access to Cedars-Sinai Health System facilities and providers throughout Southern California. The four-year agreement builds on a long-standing relationship that has connected Blue Shield members with Cedars-Sinai Health System's nationally recognized care and establishes a framework for continued collaboration in the decade ahead, focused on quality, improved outcomes, and affordability. The renewed collaboration includes Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Huntington Hospital, affiliated ambulatory surgery centers and ancillary providers, as well as providers participating in the Cedars-Sinai, Torrance Memorial, and Huntington Health physician networks. Together, Blue Shield and Cedars-Sinai Health System remain committed to delivering access to care, exceptional member experience, and greater value for Californians. Contact Your Dickerson Sales Representative for More Information or Quoting Assistance.

Kaiser Permanente is expanding and standardizing Urgent Care services across Northern California to give members more choice, consistency, and convenience. What’s changing Kaiser is introducing new Urgent Care services, and enhancing existing ones within Kaiser Permanente facilities to provide a consistent experience across Northern California. Members will have access to standardized hours, services, and convenient locations inside existing Kaiser Permanente facilities. Scheduled Openings Now open: Dublin, Folsom*, Fresno, Manteca, Oakland, Redwood City, Roseville, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Scotts Valley, South Sacramento, and Vacaville Coming soon: Modesto, Napa*, Sacramento** Hours and location information : Hours of operation and available services may vary by location. For the most current Urgent Care locations, hours, services, and appointment options, visit the Northern California Urgent Care Clinics webpage. General Information 1. What is Urgent Care? What services should a member go to Urgent Care for? An Urgent Care need is one that requires prompt medical attention, usually within 24 or 48 hours, but is not an emergency medical condition. Urgent Care is designed to treat acute minor injuries and illnesses, such as: -Minor injuries and cuts -Backaches -Sore throats and earaches -Upper respiratory symptoms -Frequent urination or a burning sensation when urinating If a member believes they’re having a medical or psychiatric emergency, they should always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Kaiser members can always call the Appointments and Advice Care Center for help determining where to go. Primary Care may also be an appropriate option. For the complete definition of medical or psychiatric emergency, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or other coverage documents. 2. Why is Kaiser Permanente making this change? This change allows Kaiser Permanente to better meet the needs of members and patients by offering more choice in how they access care. By offering a new, consistent Urgent Care service, they’re enhancing the care experience to better serve their members and patients when they have Urgent Care needs, as well as expanding access to Urgent Care in more locations. 3. How can members access Urgent Care? Members will be able to access Urgent Care services across Northern California by booking appointments online, calling the Appointments and Advice Care Center, or walking into a Kaiser Permanente Urgent Care location. 4. Will Kaiser Permanente Urgent Care services be available to pediatric patients? All Urgent Care locations will care for members as young as 2 months old. For patients under 2 months old, members should call the Appointments and Advice Care Center. If a member feels their child is having a medical or psychiatric emergency, they should always call 911 or go directly to the emergency department. 5. Are Urgent Care visits covered under current Kaiser Permanente plans? Will there be any changes to member benefits or coverage with these new Urgent Care facilities? Yes, services delivered through Urgent Care departments are included within a member’s Kaiser Permanente health plan. Copays may apply based on the members’ plan benefits. Members should reference their plan details for more information about what copays they may be subject to when using Urgent Care. 6. How will the Northern California Urgent Care experience compare to Southern California’s Urgent Care experience? Both Northern California (NCAL) and Southern California (SCAL) are focused on delivering a high-quality, convenient Urgent Care experience for our members. Need help quoting Kaiser Permanente, contact your Dickerson Sales Representative for assistance.

GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy® and Zepbound® continue to be one of the most discussed topics during renewals and prospect meetings. While many carriers offer some form of weight-loss drug coverage, eligibility is typically tied to employer plan design, pharmacy benefits, medical necessity criteria, prior authorization requirements, and ongoing clinical management. For many employers, the key question is no longer whether GLP-1s are available, but how much access they want to provide and how they plan to manage the associated costs. Most carriers share several common requirements: - Coverage is not automatically included in every group medical plan. - Prior authorization is almost always required. - Members generally must meet BMI and/or medical necessity criteria established by the carrier. - Many carriers require ongoing treatment monitoring and may periodically reassess eligibility. - Coverage for diabetes medications such as Ozempic® or Mounjaro® does not necessarily mean coverage for weight-loss treatment. Questions about GLP-1 coverage? Your Dickerson Sales Representative can help you compare carrier approaches, review plan-specific coverage considerations, and identify solutions that align with your clients' benefits and budget goals. Aetna Coverage Available? Yes. Employers can choose whether to include obesity-management coverage within their pharmacy benefit structure. Coverage ultimately depends on the employer's selected plan design. Qualification Requirements Members generally must satisfy Aetna's clinical criteria and obtain prior authorization. Medical necessity reviews and physician documentation are commonly required. What's Covered? Eligible plans may cover FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 therapies selected within the employer's formulary. Coverage varies by pharmacy benefit design and employer election. Coverage Limits Authorization periods, quantity limits, cost sharing, and continuation requirements vary by plan. Ongoing clinical review may be required to maintain coverage. Carrier Resources GLP-1 Benefit Coverage Resource : Employer overview explaining customization options, prior authorization, formulary strategies, and weight-management support programs. Customizable Weight Management Solutions : Content around balancing coverage, cost, and care. Anthem Blue Cross Coverage Available? Yes, depending on the employer's pharmacy plan and benefit structure. Qualification Requirements Coverage generally requires prior authorization and clinical review. Requirements may vary based on the diagnosis, approved indication, and specific plan. What's Covered? Employer plans that include obesity treatment coverage may provide access to medications such as Wegovy®, Zepbound®, and Saxenda®. Coverage Limits Coverage levels, member cost sharing, and utilization management requirements depend on the employer's selected benefits and formulary. Carrier Resources Anthem Drug List : The medications on the drug list are chosen based on a number of factors including how well they work, value to patients and safety. All drugs on these lists are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Blue Shield of California Coverage Available? Yes, although coverage varies by employer segment and pharmacy formulary. Qualification Requirements Members typically must meet medical necessity and prior authorization requirements established by Blue Shield's pharmacy policies. What's Covered? Covered medications depend on the employer's formulary, but approved anti-obesity medications may be available when included within the pharmacy benefit. Coverage Limits Cost share, tier placement, authorization requirements, and formulary status vary by employer group and are updated periodically. Carrier Resources Weight Management Agents Drug Policy : Covers common questions around BMI requirements, prior authorization, lifestyle program participation, reauthorization requirements, and coverage duration. Group Broker Update on GLP-1 Drugs : Explanation of coverage considerations, prior authorization, and the role of lifestyle modification. Health Net Coverage Available? Yes. Health Net provides published California employer-group criteria specific to weight-loss medications. Qualification Requirements Coverage generally requires prior authorization and participation in a structured weight-management program that incorporates diet, physical activity, and behavioral modification components. What's Covered? Health Net identifies Wegovy®, Zepbound®, Saxenda®, Qsymia®, Contrave®, and Xenical® among its covered weight-management medications when eligibility requirements are met. Coverage Limits Coverage remains subject to employer plan design and ongoing program participation requirements. Prior authorization continues to play a central role in maintaining eligibility. Carrier Resources Weight Loss Medications Coverage Criteria : New requirements and eligibility guidelines apply to members on select Health Net plans Health Net Pharmacy Information : Quick access to drug lists and pharmacy forms. You can find the most current information on drug coverage for both Medicare and commercial plans. Kaiser Permanente Coverage Available? Yes, for qualifying members under Kaiser clinical guidelines. Qualification Requirements Coverage is based on medical necessity, physician oversight, and Kaiser-specific clinical criteria. Program participation may also be part of the evaluation process. What's Covered? Coverage depends on the employer's Kaiser plan and formulary design. Coverage Limits Access, duration, and ongoing eligibility requirements vary based on Kaiser clinical policies and employer benefits. Carrier Resources What you need to know about GLP-1s : This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. UnitedHealthcare Coverage Available? Yes, depending on employer elections and pharmacy benefit configuration. Qualification Requirements Members generally undergo prior authorization and clinical review to confirm medical necessity and treatment appropriateness. What's Covered? Employer plans that include obesity-management benefits may cover FDA-approved anti-obesity GLP-1 medications. Coverage Limits Coverage commonly includes utilization management controls and periodic reassessment of treatment effectiveness. Carrier Resources Weight Loss Medication Prior Authorization Program : Details weight-loss coverage criteria, prior authorization requirements, BMI considerations, and employer-specific plan design impacts. Employer Considerations for GLP-1 Coverage : Reviews emerging GLP-1 utilization trends, employer cost considerations, and strategies for integrating weight management programs. Sharp Health Plan Coverage Available? Potentially, depending on medical necessity and employer benefit design. Qualification Requirements Prior authorization and clinical review are typically required before coverage is approved. What's Covered? Coverage depends on the applicable formulary and employer-selected pharmacy benefits. Coverage Limits Plan-specific coverage limits, cost sharing, and authorization requirements apply. More questions about GLP-1 coverage? Contact Your Dickerson Sales Representative for more information.