Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana will extend members’ premium payment grace period through Oct. 1. Members who are recovering from Hurricane Ida, which struck southeast Louisiana on Aug. 29 as a Category 4 storm, will not have their insurance coverage canceled for non-payment through that date.

The grace period applies to health insurance plan premiums, as well as premiums for dental plans, vision plans, Southern National Life plans and Equitable life and disability plans.

Members should be aware that their claims could pend during this time if their policies are not up to date. To keep insurance active beyond Oct. 1, it is important that members pay their premiums in full to avoid a drop in coverage because of non-payment.

Blue Cross will follow all state and federal rules related to insurance coverage, and future notices may extend this premium grace period. Visit www.bcbsla.com for the latest updates. For more information, members can contact Blue Cross Customer Service at the number on their ID cards.