Health Care and Mental Health Resources for Evacuees
Questions have arisen regarding medical and mental health coverage of employees' family members who have been evacuated
to this area from states impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The following questions and answers are provided to help family members
of Duke employees identify possible resources for health care and mental health services.
Can I add a family member to my Duke health insurance?
Based on the Duke health care plan, eligible family members of Duke employees include only a spouse/spousal equivalent,
children (natural, adopted or foster) who are under age 19, or under age 26 if a full-time student. If your family member
is one of the above, and lost coverage due to the hurricane, he/she would be eligible. Children enrolled in a college or
university that has been closed due to this event will have their full-time student requirement waived for the fall semester.
To add an eligible family member, please contact the Benefits Office at 684-5600.
How can I get insurance for my other family members not covered by the Duke health care plan?
If your family members have lost coverage due to loss of employment from the hurricane, it is important that they replace
the coverage within 63 days, so they do not have a pre-existing condition limitation on their new policy. If your family
members have financial resources they can obtain individual coverage from a number of sources including Blue Cross Blue Shield
of NC, at http://www.bcbsnc.com/plans/blueadvantage/index.cfm.
If your family members do not have any financial resources they can apply for Medicaid at the Department of Social Services
in the county in which they will be living.
Family members who are over age 65 should be covered by Medicare, which is nationwide.
What mental health resources are available?
There are a number of mental health resources available depending on the county in which the person will be living. In
Durham, Family Counseling Services (919-416-4400) are available in the basement of Northgate Mall, and provide services on
a sliding scale. Another resource is the Center for Child & Family Health,
located at 3518 Westgate Drive, Suite 100 in Durham (web
site, email address). Similarly, Orange, Person, and Chatham County residents can access services through the OPC Area Program
at 919 913-4100.
Services may also be available through the American Red Cross, Disaster Services Division. Their phone number is 919-489-6541
At this time Duke is assessing the situation with regard to how services can be provided locally.
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