UPHP COVID-19 Operational Update – A Letter From Our CEO

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the wake of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s March 23 Executive Order to “Stay Home, Stay Safe,” I would like to personally share how Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) will continue to serve our members, providers, and community. The order directs all Michigan citizens to stay home, except for critical work and needs, and all nonessential businesses to temporarily close.

UPHP is considered an essential business and therefore will remain operational throughout the duration of the Executive Order, which is in effect until April 13, 2020. Though our physical building is closed to visitors (with the exception of mail delivery services), the vast majority of our staff are now working remotely. Our members and provider network can rest assured that we are prepared to provide the same level of service and quality they have come to expect in our 20 years of serving the Upper Peninsula.

• Our dedicated Customer Service and Transportation teams will continue to be available by telephone during our usual business hours.
• Pharmacy services, such as filling needed prescriptions, mail orders, prior authorizations, medication therapy management, and drug management programs, will continue as usual.
• We will continue to accept, process, and pay claims submitted by our provider network.
• Enrollments and membership changes for all lines of business will be processed as usual.
• Although they can no longer do in-person visits, our care managers are still accessible to our members by phone and email.

As we move forward, we will continue to update you on our efforts and plans as they evolve. These are unprecedented times for us all, but we will get through them just as we have through other challenges we have faced – by coming together and supporting one another. Until then, stay calm, stay healthy, stay home, and know that we are here for you.

Be well,

Melissa Holmquist
Chief Executive Officer
Upper Peninsula Health Plan