Arrow Benefits Group Offering Two Important Benefits to Victims of the North Bay Wildfires

For those of us in the North Bay community, it has been a devastating week with the local fires. Team members, clients, and business partners have lost their homes. Events like this elicit a dramatic call to action, and it has been wonderful to see the overwhelming response from the community. The North Bay is a remarkable place and we are grateful for it. We are also thankful for those that have volunteered countless hours, opened their homes to those in need, and to those in uniform who have worked tirelessly each day to contain the fires and keep our communities safe.

As a benefits brokerage, we wanted to make you aware of two benefit resources available for both members and non-members of the following programs. We encourage you to share this information with affected employees:

First, Magellan Health, Inc. announced that it has opened a free 24-hour crisis line for all individuals affected by the recent wildfires in California.

The toll-free number to access free, confidential counseling services is 1-800-327-7451.

Magellan will provide free, confidential counseling services and other resources, such as referrals to local non-profit organizations, shelters and additional community-based support to assist individuals in California as they work to cope with the feelings of fear, sadness, anger and hopelessness related to these kinds of natural disasters.

In addition, tip sheets with resources specific to wildfire preparedness, evacuation procedures and steps towards recovery can be found on Magellan Health’s website.
• Coping with wildfires
• Being prepared for a wildfire evacuation
• Supporting employees impacted by wildfires

Magellan Health provides specialized healthcare services, including behavioral health counseling and support, to millions of individuals across the country. Magellan opens its crisis lines during events such as this to help support the local community as it responds, reacts and rebuilds.

Second, VSP Vision Care is working directly with its network doctors, business partners, and relief agencies, including the American Red Cross, to best support and fulfill the eye care needs of those directly affected.

For VSP Members:

Any VSP member who has lost or broken their eyewear or is in need of eye care services due to recent natural disasters can call its VSP Member Services Support Line at 1-800-877-7195 to have their VSP benefits reinstated-regardless of eligibility.

For non-VSP members:

VSP is providing access to free eye care and glasses. If you, your friends or family are in need of eye care due to recent disasters who are not VSP members, contact the local American Red Cross or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to request a VSP Global Eyes of Hope® gift certificate to use for no-cost eye care and glasses at a local VSP network doctor’s office. For regular updates about relief efforts, VSP’s gift certificate program, or how you can help, visit VSP’s website at vspglobal.com/disasteroutreach.

We hope you and your employees are safe, and please let us know if you have any questions about these two programs.