Notifications from Aflac

Notifications from Aflac

To provide relief for New Mexico policy/certificate holders residing in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation and affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide the following protections for policy/certificate holders:

  • Provide an extended premium grace period from Tuesday, June 17, 2024, through Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
  • Postpone cancelations and non-renewals from Tuesday, June 17, 2024, through Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
  • Offer a payment plan of at least six (6) months if unable to pay the delinquency after the extended grace period. This applies to all coverages except life. The policy/certificate holder should contact Aflac to make arrangement for repayment.
  • Waive late fees and penalties.
  • Provide an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy/certificate.
  • Allow additional time for actions required under the policy/certificate and the submission of documents due to limited access to service and mobility.
  • Provide a copy of the policy/certificate to the policyholder/certificate holder upon request.

In addition to the above, Aflac through Aflac Benefits Solutions will provide the following protections for Network Dental and Vision members and providers:

  • Waive referrals and prior authorization requirements for use of out-of-network providers for medically necessary services, whether emergent or not.
  • Waive cost-sharing and deductibles through Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
  • Permit one eyeglass or contact lens replacement and one hearing aid replacement during the pendency of this Order, waiving frequency limitations.
  • Permit one replacement for dentures or other prosthodontic devices during the pendency of this Order, waiving frequency limits.
  • Extend medical providers’ reporting requirements for claims submissions and for additional information relating to claims through Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.

Affected members should contact Aflac Benefits Solutions at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in the state that have been affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 12, 2024, and ending Nov. 11, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


 

To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 5, 2024, and ending Nov. 11, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Lake County affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 8, 2024, and ending Dec. 2, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for Tennessee policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 26, 2024, and ending Nov. 25, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. As further protection, insurance professionals licensed in other states, but not holding Tennessee licenses will be permitted to assist Aflac policyholders. Agents must contact Tennessee Department of Insurance for permission on a case-by-case basis for this accommodation. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.


To help provide relief for North Carolina policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 27, 2024, and ending Nov. 26, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for Florida policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 26, 2024, and ending Nov. 26, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for Georgia policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 24, 2024, and ending Nov. 25, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for South Carolina policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 25, 2024, and ending Nov. 25, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for Florida policyholders Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Oct. 5, 2024, and ending Dec. 10, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To provide relief for New Mexico policy/certificate holders residing in Chavez County and affected by the severe flooding, Aflac will provide the following protections for policy/certificate holders:

  • Provide an extended premium grace period from Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, through Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
  • Postpone cancelations and non-renewals from Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, through Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
  • Offer a payment plan of at least six (6) months if unable to pay the delinquency after the extended grace period. This applies to all coverages except life. The policy/certificate holder should contact Aflac to make arrangement for repayment.
  • Waive late fees and penalties.
  • Provide an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy/certificate.
  • Allow additional time for actions required under the policy/certificate and the submission of documents due to limited access to service and mobility.
  • Provide a copy of the policy/certificate to the policyholder/certificate holder upon request.

In addition to the above, Aflac through Aflac Benefits Solutions will provide the following protections for Network Dental and Vision members and providers:

  • Waive referrals and prior authorization requirements for use of out-of-network providers for medically necessary services, whether emergent or not.
  • Waive cost-sharing and deductibles through Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
  • Permit one eyeglass or contact lens replacement and one hearing aid replacement during the pendency of this Order, waiving frequency limitations.
  • Permit one replacement for dentures or other prosthodontic devices during the pendency of this Order, waiving frequency limits.
  • Extend medical providers’ reporting requirements for claims submissions and for additional information relating to claims through Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

Affected members should contact Aflac Benefits Solutions at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Siskiyou County affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 3, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Sierra County affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 2, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.


To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Ventura County affected by wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Nov. 6, 2024, and ending Jan. 07, 2025. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder

For Network Dental and Vision Members:

This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.

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Press Releases

Innovative My Special Aflac Duck™ Helping Lift Spirits for Thousands of Children with Cancer
One Year After Taking the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show by Storm, Aflac's Comforting Robotic Duck is Helping Kids Across the Nation Cope With Cancer Treatments

COLUMBUS, Ga., Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- One year after being introduced to Americans at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, My Special Aflac Duck, a robotic comfort provider modeled after the famed Aflac Duck, is helping provide comfort and joy to thousands of children across the country. With more than 100 hospitals and childhood cancer care facilities in the United States registered to order ducks, to date, 2,063 have been distributed to children facing cancer. My Special Aflac Duck is Aflac's latest innovation in its 24-year commitment to children with cancer.

Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos with a 13 year old patient at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Atlanta, GA admiring the My Special Aflac Duck at a "duck delivery" event in September.

In December, My Special Aflac Duck was named to Time Magazine's list of the Top 50 Inventions of 2018. Additional accolades include several notable awards from CES 2018, including:

  • Engadget's Best of Show in the Unexpected Product Category.
  • Tech for a Better World Innovation Award.
  • IHS Markit Showstoppers Award for Robotics.

"The incredible reception that My Special Aflac Duck has received from people who face the reality of childhood cancer on a regular basis has exceeded all of our expectations. We are so pleased that caretakers, parents and children are finding comfort in this very special companion," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. "This program has become a labor of love for Aflac, our employees and the independent sales agents licensed to sell our products. It has gained the attention of media, industry groups, the childhood cancer community, regulators and even members of Congress because it is a great way to demonstrate the need to focus on childhood cancer on behalf of those who are impacted most: the children."

While the prototype of My Special Aflac Duck debuted at CES in January 2018, actual delivery of ducks began in September 2018. Since the initial delivery event, which took place at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, more than 2,000 ducks have been ordered through an online intake system available at AflacChildhoodCancer.org. Health care professionals who treat children with cancer can go to this site to register and order the ducks, free of charge. Aflac has invested more than $3 million to date on the development, creation and delivery of My Special Aflac Duck, which was invented by Sproutel, a health care research and development business based in Providence, Rhode Island, that specializes in robotics. Each duck costs Aflac approximately $200 to build and deliver.

"It is an indescribable feeling to see the smile on children's faces when they receive My Special Aflac Duck," Sproutel CEO and Co-Founder Aaron Horowitz said. "It is wonderful to know that they enjoy the functions of the duck that we designed specifically for them. We're honored to work with Aflac and see this grow from a concept to a program that is impacting the lives of children across the country."

My Special Aflac Duck uses medical play, lifelike movement and emotions, and an augmented-reality app to engage and help comfort kids during their cancer treatment. Features of the duck include:

  • Emotional expression: Seven emoji cards help children communicate as the duck acts out a given feeling when that emoji card is tapped to its chest.
  • Medical and nurturing play: The duck's chemotherapy port allows children to mirror their care through play. What's more, the duck's no-cost mobile app allows children to give it a virtual bath, "feed" it and give it medicine.
  • Music, singing and nuzzling: The duck sings when music is played. Customizable sounds include gentle waves, wind and a farm.
  • Breathing and heartbeat: This lively duck produces a heartbeat and deep breathing, which caregivers can incorporate into calming routines and exercises.
  • No waiting required: Batteries and accessories accompany the duck so it is ready to use right away.
  • Convenience: The duck features a removable skin that can be washed to ensure hospital hygiene standards are met.

"Our goal is to see the day when My Special Aflac Duck is no longer needed to help children with cancer, but until we find a cure, Aflac's commitment remains strong – because all children deserve a lifetime," Amos said.

Since 1995, Aflac has contributed more than $131 million to the treatment and research of childhood cancer. The company currently collaborates with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and the Children's Oncology Group to help promote and distribute My Special Aflac Duck across the country. For more information, visit AflacChildhoodCancer.org.

About Aflac  

When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite. Through its trailblazing One Day PaySM initiative, for eligible claims, Aflac U.S. can process, approve and electronically send funds to claimants for quick access to cash in just one business day. In Japan, Aflac is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance and insures 1 in 4 households. Aflac insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For 12 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2018, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the 20th consecutive year and included Aflac on its list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 17th time. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac and One Day PaySM, visit aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

Aflac Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Aflac)

Media contacts:

Aflac – Jon Sullivan, 706.763.4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com 

Aflac analyst and investor contact:

David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or dyoung@aflac.com

SOURCE Aflac