To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide billing leniency for impacted insureds, 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. Affected members should contact Aflac at 800-992-3522 for assistance.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. Affected members are not required to obtain prior approval when accessing appropriate out-of-network providers when in-network providers are unavailable. The cost-sharing for out-of-network will be in amount equal to cost-sharing affected members would have paid for the provision of that service in-network. 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 Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties affected by the lightning-ignited fires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 2, 2025, and ending Nov. 18, 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.
To help provide relief for Alaska policyholders and certificate holders residing in Northwest Arctic Borough, North Slope Borough, Kusilvak Census Area, Bethel Census Area, Nome Census Area, and Aleutians West Census Area who are affected by the storm, Aflac will provide an extended premium grace period starting Oct. 9, 2025, and ending Dec. 15, 2025. This grace period also includes an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other actions required under the policy or certificate. In addition, Aflac will relax prescription drug benefit guidelines to allow payment of claims when a covered prescription drug is refilled prior to the usual 30-day limit. Policyholders and certificate holders may also request a replacement copy of their policy or certificate.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
Aflac is providing temporary relaxation of precertification and referral requirements. Members will have access to appropriate out-of-network providers if in-network providers are unavailable or if they have been displaced, and leniency will be provided for any other actions required under the certificate. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefits Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Oregon who were affected by the wildfires, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 3, 2025, and ending Nov. 26, 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.
To help provide relief for Arizona policyholders residing in Gila, Mohave and Maricopa counties affected by the heavy rains, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 25, 2025, and ending Jan. 13, 2026. 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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Winter can offer candy canes and hot chocolate, the holiday season, cozy coats and crackling fires, but it can also mean cold, gray days where it feels like the sun just doesn’t come out. Less sunshine can throw off your circadian rhythm, a fancy way of saying your internal clock, which might impact your sleep and your mood.1
If your mental health suffers this time of year, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, there are simple ways to help protect your mental health when the colorful leaves have all fallen and it gets chilly outside, including staying active and staying connected.
Get some shut-eye
Start with your sleep schedule. Experts say that 7-9 hours of sleep per night is ideal,2 but relaxing before your head hits the pillow is important, too. Establishing a nighttime routine that you find soothing can help ensure a good night’s rest. Get comfortable with a fluffy blanket and try meditating before bed,3 or settle in with a good book — opt for a physical book versus e-readers to avoid screens before bedtime. Journaling is also a relaxing exercise that could allow you to corral any jumbled thoughts before getting in bed.4 Once a routine is established, do your best to keep up with it every night — consistency is key.5
Eat right — and enjoy yourself
Once you’ve gotten out of bed, it’s important to complement your morning caffeine buzz with a nutritious breakfast … then a nutritious lunch, followed by a nutritious dinner. It’s easy to overlook just how important the right food choices can be on your health. According to the 2025 Wellness Matters report from Aflac, Gen Z men are less likely than Gen Z women to think added sugar and processed foods have a negative impact on their health. But in fact, eating too many of those foods can have serious repercussions, both physically and mentally.6
Making healthy choices — adding fruits and veggies to your plate, along with a protein source — doesn’t mean neglecting the delicious food that pops up around the holidays. Rather, it’s about moderation.7 A balanced diet doesn’t have to mean cutting out your favorite treats, like a slice of Grandma’s pecan pie.
Move through it
Although the winter months might invite burrowing into bed, it’s important to find ways to move every day. If weather allows, get some time outside — even if Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, bundle up and take a quick walk for the benefit of some vitamin D.8 When the weather makes it difficult to get out, try online classes like a YouTube video or a class held over Zoom, or find a fun group class at a nearby gym. Trying new workouts can help with motivation, so if aerobics or cycling has been calling your name, now is the time to answer.
If you’re new to exercise or returning after some time off, begin with short workouts. A fifteen-minute walk or bike ride is a great start.9 As always, be sure to consult with your physician before starting a new exercise program.
Reach out
Last but not least, make sure to stay connected with family and friends. It can be hard to find time, especially as schedules are often packed during the holiday season, but communicating with a support system can be crucial. Like exercise, it can be beneficial for mental and physical health. While more Gen Z women than men (44% vs. 27%) reach out to friends and family with health concerns, it helps everyone.10 Whether it’s a coffee date or a phone call, connecting with someone you care about can help you feel better.11
If the winter months are a tough time for you, please remember you are not alone. And remember your wellness, both mentally and physically, matters. To learn more about the importance of prioritizing your health, visit Aflac.com/WellnessMatters.
1Harvard Health Publishing Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
2Sleep Foundation Accessed 25 Sept. 2025
3Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
4Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
5Hartford Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
6NPR Accessed 22 Sept. 2025
7Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
8Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
9Hartford Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
10Wellness Matters Accessed 19 Sept. 2025
11Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance.
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