Each year, influenza causes illness, hospitalizations and deaths, and severely strains the health care delivery system. This year, seasonal flu is complicated by the emergence and rapid spread of the H1N1 virus. In an effort to ensure that individuals and their families can take the appropriate actions to help protect themselves against the H1N1 virus, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will cover the administration of the H1N1 vaccine without co-pay or deductible for all health plan members. Plans also are encouraging self-insured employers to cover the cost of the vaccination for their employees.
"At Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, our priority is to ensure that our actions and communications support public health," said Dr. Eina Fishman, Anthem's medical director. "Our goal is to keep our plan members as healthy as possible. Anthem is committed to working with the CDC and HHS on an information campaign to ensure that members and the public are vaccinated to prevent H1N1, and if they develop H1N1 flu, they are treated effectively and appropriately."
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com