Blue Cross Vermont takes action to open access to H1N1 flu vaccine

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) announced today that it will cover the cost to administer the H1N1 vaccine for its members to help ensure that as many people as possible are vaccinated. BCBSVT members will be able to receive the H1N1 shot without paying a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible regardless of the plan benefit design. BCBSVT will pay the allowed administrative cost while the federal government will pay for the vaccine itself as it becomes available this fall. The spread of the H1N1 influenza virus can most effectively be controlled through vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine first. Vaccination efforts will initially focus on five target groups including:
1. Pregnant women2. People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age3. Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel4. Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years5. People ages 25 through 64 years who have chronic health disorders orcompromised immune systems.
Additional information about the H1N1 vaccine and related materials can be found on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov or at the Vermont Department of Health at www.healthvermont.gov. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, providing coverage for about 180,000 Vermonters.
It employs over 350 Vermonters at its headquarters in Berlin and branch office in Williston, and offers group and individual health plans toVermonters. More information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is available on the Internet at www.bcbsvt.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
Source: BCBSVT.