Creating a $10 Million L.A. Care Network and Community Relief Fund
The wildfires that raged across Los Angeles County have destroyed thousands of homes and caused more than two dozen deaths. Since the first fire erupted, L.A. Care has been working to ensure that any members who have been displaced by the destruction receive the health care they need, as well as other resources and services to help them through this crisis. Now, as the recovery for everyone will be difficult, the L.A. Care Board of Governors has unanimously approved help for its provider partners, community partners and employees.
In February 2025, the board approved up to $10 million for the L.A. Care Network and Community Relief Fund to assist providers in its network, county agencies, and community organizations as they rebuild after catastrophic losses.
"L.A. Care’s emergency response teams have been collaborating with provider partners and community stakeholders from the beginning of the fire emergency to ensure they could serve our members. The health plan is already supporting providers by allocating resources to address staffing shortages and supply needs in the most impacted areas. This additional funding will help speed up the recovery for those who are facing serious challenges. Ultimately, it means continued access to care and support services for the vulnerable residents that L.A. Care serves."
--Martha Santana-Chin, L.A. Care CEO
Ensuring Access to Care
L.A. Care took a number of steps to support its members impacted by the fires:
- Allowed out-of-network services without additional cost-sharing
- Allowed prescriptions to be filled early or at out-of-network pharmacies without prior authorization
- Partnered with several assisted living facilities for relocation of members, allowing them to be moved quickly and without prior authorization. Once relocated, worked with vendors to coordinate facility reimbursement, ensuring continuity of care during this critical time
- Identified skilled nursing facilities that could accommodate our members in the event of an evacuation, helping streamline the process and minimize disruption to care
- Accommodated transportation changes to existing reservations
- Case managers reached out to the highest risk members to help coordinate care in this challenging time
- Members struggling emotionally have been encouraged to take advantage of L.A. Care’s behavioral health services
- Launched a wildfire resources webpage, to ensure all health plan support and other resources are easily accessible
Wildfire Relief Event
L.A. Care has been active in the community to provide support and resources. On January 18, the L.A. Care Community Partner Collaborative hosted an essential needs donation drive and distribution, with support from the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers.
- Served more than 3,000 families
- Coordinated 20 pickups from the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers across Los Angeles County to gather supplies for the event
- The L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers also opened for special Saturday hours to help connect fire victims with resources and services, in additional to supplying N95 masks to any visitor
In addition, L.A. Care took a seat at the table as part of the Los Angeles County-led Health and Social Services Task Force on Wildfire Recovery.
Community Sponsorships
L.A. Care provided $65,000 in sponsorships to seven community-based organizations for relief efforts. These include:
- Donation events with essential items such as hygiene kits, clothing, blankets, and non-perishable food
- Housing 182 families for the short-term and long-term
- Access to temporary internet stations in order to connect with loved ones, apply for assistance programs, and search for housing
- 10,560 meals delivered to first responders
Provider Support
L.A. Care also made efforts to ease the burden on our provider network.
- Supported providers who were impacted by the wildfires
- Suspended authorization requirements for hospital discharge-related services, expediting placement, alleviating hospital bed capacity and ensuring a smoother transition for members
- Supplied needed water, N95 masks and other supplies to field medicine teams working on the streets with members experiencing homelessness
- Partnered with several Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) to swift relocation of members, allowing them to be moved quickly and without prior authorization
- Maintained close communication with network facilities to ensure L.A. Care was fully prepared for any emergencies
- Proactively assisted in identifying skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that could accommodate our members in the event of an evacuation, helping to streamline the process and minimize disruption to care
In the News
View the stories below about L.A. Care's wildfire relief efforts, and related commentary from L.A. Care health experts.
Spectrum News - L.A. Care Wildfire Relief
KCOP - L.A. Care Wildfire Relief
Insurers Offer Assistance, Relax Rules for Los Angeles Wildfire Victims
Q&A: Physicians can help patients with respiratory diseases prepare for wildfires
Wave partnering to solicit fire donations
Amid blazing California wildfires, companies step up with free services to help victims