Support for Wellcare members impacted by the chemical incident
On May 23, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange county due to a chemical incident at the GKN Aerospace facility in the City of Garden Grove. Wellcare is providing assistance to members in Orange County affected by the chemical incident.
We want to help ensure that members who have been impacted, because they or their usual healthcare providers have been 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 chemical incident are able to continue providing care for members’ medical needs.
Participating providers may call the Provider Services Center using the contact 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 chemical incident 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 any essential prescription medications (with current copayments and deductibles) for any member in Orange County whose medication was lost or remained behind during an evacuation. Wellcare will also suspend prescription refill limitations and allow an impacted enrollee to refill their prescriptions at an out-of-network pharmacy. Providers should inform their patients that to obtain an emergency supply, affected members can return to the pharmacy where the original prescription was filled. If the pharmacy is not open due to the state of emergency, affected members can contact Wellcare at 866-999-3945 for questions or assistance.
Member insurance cards and health care information
Members whose insurance cards were lost or left behind due to the state of emergency and members who have healthcare questions during the state of emergency can contact Wellcare at 866-999-3945 for questions or assistance.
Coping assistance
Wellcare members who have been evacuated due to the chemical incident may contact 866-999-3945 for referrals to mental health counselors, local resources or telephonic consultations to help them cope with stress, or other trauma resulting from the chemical incident.
Additional information
Depending on how the chemical incident 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 by phone at 866-999-3945 or through the provider website at provider.wellcare.com/california.
This information applies to Physicians, Practitioners, Independent Practice Associations (IPAs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.
