Notifications from Aflac

Notifications from Aflac

On Feb. 21, 2024, the cyber event reported by Change Healthcare, a company that assists healthcare providers with claims submissions and payments, has created a significant impact to health care providers, including hospitals, individual practitioners, practice groups, diagnostic centers, laboratories, and pharmacies. We have determined Aflac’s primary operations are not impacted. Further, Aflac and its subsidiaries do not have any direct connection to Change Healthcare systems in any of Aflac’s systems or applications. At this time, we are not aware of any impact to customer data but we are monitoring for any communications from our critical third-party suppliers. While Change Healthcare’s cyber event was not directed at Aflac, we will provide flexibility with claims submissions related to this incident should it be needed. If you believe you have a claim impacted by Change Healthcare’s event, please contact Aflac at 800-992-3522.


To help provide relief for Arkansas policyholders residing in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, Sevier, and Sharp counties affected by severe storms, floods and tornadoes occurring May 24-26, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting May 24, 2024, and ending July 23, 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.


To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in the state of California affected by the winter storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Feb. 3, 2024, and ending Aug. 20, 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


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 Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
  • Postpone cancelations and non-renewals from Tuesday, June 17, 2024, through Wednesday, Oct. 16, 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 for 120 days.
  • 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 for at least 120 days.

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


To help provide relief for Iowa policyholders residing in Iowa that have been affected by the severe storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Apr. 16, 2024, and ending Aug. 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 provide relief for Texas policy/certificate holders residing in Anderson, Angelina, Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Brooks, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Camp, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Dallas, Delta, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Ellis, Falls, Fannin, Fayette, Fort Bend, Franklin, Freestone, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Grayson, Gregg, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hill, Hopkins, Houston, Hunt, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kaufman, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, Lamar, LaSalle, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Live Oak, Madison, Marion, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, McMullen, Medina, Milam, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Panola, Polk, Rains, Red River, Refugio, Robertson, Rockwall, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Shelby, Smith, Starr, Titus, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Uvalde, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, Wood, Zapata, and Zavala counties, and affected by Hurricane Beryl, Aflac will provide the following protections for policy/certificate holders:

  • Provide an extended premium grace period from Monday, July 8, 2024, through Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.
  • Postpone cancelations and nonrenewals from Monday, July 8, 2024, through Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.
  • Waive early refill time limits on active prescriptions for 90 days.
  • Provide a copy of the policy/certificate to the policyholder/certificate holder upon request.
  • 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.

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

  • Cover necessary medical equipment, supplies, and services, regardless of when or where the service is provided.
  • Waive penalties, restrictions, and claims denials for necessary out-of-network services.
  • Waive requirements for preauthorization, referrals, or medical necessity reviews for dental services.
  • Allow extra time for health care providers and facilities to file claims.

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 9, 2024, and ending Oct. 1, 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.

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Press Releases

Aflac's award-winning My Special Aflac Duck® brings high-tech comfort and joy to San Antonio children facing cancer and blood disorders

Pediatric patients at University Health receive robotic companions, along with a day packed with festive activities, creating moments of joy and warmth.

COLUMBUS, Ga., Nov. 17, 2023  /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental health insurance products in the U.S. and a steadfast supporter of families dealing with pediatric cancer and blood disorders, delivered its acclaimed My Special Aflac Duck to children at University Hospital in San Antonio. This event marks a significant moment in Aflac's ongoing commitment to bringing comfort and joy to young patients on their journeys.

The My Special Aflac Duck, an innovative robotic companion, utilizes medical play, realistic motions and emotional emulation to interact with and provide comfort to children undergoing treatment. Created in collaboration with over 100 children, families and health care professionals over 18 months, this animatronic duck serves as a crucial tool to help children manage the emotional aspects of their treatments. To date, more than 25,000 My Special Aflac Ducks have been delivered to children with cancer and sickle cell disease completely free of charge.

"At Aflac, our purpose is deeply rooted in being there for our policyholders during life's most trying moments. My Special Aflac Duck stands as a tangible symbol of that dedication," said Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer, senior vice president, Communications. Aflac Incorporated. "Witnessing the authentic smiles of children as they embrace a new companion on their journey fills our hearts, and we are thrilled to deliver this award-winning resource to the children at University Health who are navigating the path of pediatric cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell disease."

Children at University Health participated in a My Special Aflac Duck demonstration and engaged in challenges before receiving their very own robotic companion. The patients and their families were invited to stay for the duck reveal party, enjoying various activities such as creating birth certificates and beaded necklaces for their ducks, coloring and more.

"University Health and our partners at UT Health San Antonio are committed to improving outcomes for children facing cancer and sickle cell disease. Our efforts include not just comprehensive medical care but therapeutic activities and emotional support," said Irene Sandate, chief nursing officer, University Health Women's and Children's Hospital. "Our team of child life specialists help children and their families understand and cope with challenging health care events. Specially adapted toys like My Special Aflac Duck provide a comforting presence and a way for children to understand and respond to their treatments."

My Special Aflac Duck includes an interactive mobile app for virtual care, customizable soundscapes for soothing visuals and sounds, smart sensors for touch and awareness, a calming heartbeat, and breathing vibrations. Named Best in Show at CES in Las Vegas and featured on Time Magazine's list of Best Inventions, the duck has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach to pediatric care.

Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children ages 3 and older who are diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at https://myduck.sproutel.com/family/request.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.1 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in 2023 in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 17 consecutive years, Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 22 years and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year. In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2022) for nine years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability."

ABOUT UNIVERSITY HEALTH
University Health is the only locally owned health system in San Antonio. For more than 100 years, University Health has been here to heal, improve health, train the next generation of medical professionals and ensure the people of San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas have access to primary and advanced specialty care close to home. Specialized services include the region's only Level I trauma center for both adults and children, and maternal and neonatal intensive care centers designated at the highest levels by the State of Texas. As the region's only academic health system, University Health is a hub of innovation and discovery, committed to delivering patient-centered, culturally competent, high-quality and compassionate care, based on a strong foundation of outcomes‐based research and innovative teaching. Learn more at UniversityHealth.com.

1 LIMRA 2022 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

Media contact for Aflac: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com

Media contact for University Health: Shelley Kofler, 512-294-5224 or shelley.kofler@uhtx.com 

Analyst and investor contact for Aflac: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

 

SOURCE Aflac