Resources for Caregivers Impacted by the Spokane Wildfires

SEIU 775 Benefits Group is closely monitoring the Spokane wildfires, which are affecting many caregivers in our community. If you are an affected caregiver or know someone who is, please use and share these resources. They’re meant to support caregivers’ health, safety and well-being during this challenging time. 

Access to Healthcare

If you have SEIU 775 Benefits Group healthcare coverage, your plan is determined by your zip code (KPWA or Aetna). If you don’t know your plan, please use the ZIP code finder. 

Visit the Spokane wildfires: KP Member update for information on getting care and what to do if you need to cancel an appointment. 

Customer support: 

• Visit kp.org and log into the member portal, or use the Kaiser Permanente Washington mobile app.
• Call 1-888-901-4636 (TTY 711). 

Customer support: 

• Visit aetna.com and log in to the member portal.
• Call 1-855-736-9469.

Access to Prescriptions

No matter which health plan you have, you may be able to get your medications sooner if  you’ve been impacted by the wildfires. An emergency order for fire survivors has been issued that requires certain health plans to allow a one-time early refill of prescriptions.

If you can’t get to your usual pharmacy, you can:  

• Pick up prescriptions at another Spokane Kaiser Permanente pharmacy location. 

• Fill your prescription at a local retail pharmacy (such as CVS or Safeway). 

• Note: You may need to submit a receipt for reimbursement. 

Pharmacy benefits are provided through Sav-Rx, which gives you access to 75,000 pharmacies nationwide. You will need to present your Sax-Rx ID card at your pharmacy. For more information: 

• Visit Sav-Rx.com.
• Call 1-800-228-3108. 

CareBack Cash 

Special CareBack Cash applications are open to caregivers directly affected by wildfires in the Spokane area. Eligible caregivers who live in areas covered in the emergency declaration can apply for $1,000 in assistance. As of August 7, caregivers living in the following ZIP codes can apply:

99208, 99218, 99217, 99026, 99005, 99021, 99006, 99156, 98855, 98816, 98831, 98862. 

Applications will stay open until program capacity is met.  

In addition, financial assistance from the Washington State Labor Council may be available for union families experiencing hardship.  

• DSHS Washington Wildfires Emergency Updates – Updates on the wildfires in Spokane and Washington, as well as impacts to DSHS, its employees and customers. 

• Spokane Region Air Quality updates – Updates on air quality in the Spokane area. 

• Emergency Preparedness - Resources from SEIU 775 for caregivers affected by the Spokane wildfires 

• Climate Readiness – Resources from SEIU 775 to help keep you and your client safe during extreme weather. 

• Spokane-area wildfire resources: 

• • Spokane Wildfire Recovery – Insurance help, emergency protections and local resources. 

• • Spokane Complex Wildfire Updates – Wildfire status updates.  

Taking Care of Yourself After the Crisis 

As recovery efforts continue, it’s also important to take care of your own well-being.

One available resource is Emergency Preparedness: Addressing Trauma After Climate Change-Related Events, an online Continuing Education (CE) course that is:  

• Offered online through the Caregiver Learning Center. 
• 2 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credit.  
• Available in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.   

You will be paid for the time you spend completing eligible CE training courses. To enroll, visit www.caregiverlearning.org. 

Mental health benefits are also available through your healthcare coverage to support you in times of need. Learn about the many mental health and wellness resources available through KPWA or Aetna, or contact your care team directly to discuss a plan for treatment.

As We Move Forward Together 

Thank you for the essential care you provide every day. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Spokane wildfires. 

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