BCBSNC Offering H1N1 Flu Clinic Opportunities to Member Groups with Over 50 EEs

Now that the priority group restrictions for the H1N1 vaccine have been lifted, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is partnering with Maxim Healthcare Services to offer qualified member groups with over 50 employees the opportunity to host H1N1 flu vaccine clinics at designated worksites. Like the seasonal flu program, Maxim will operate the clinics and administer the vaccine to employees who are covered with preventive care benefits through BCBSNC, as well as their family members (if the employer allows).

Conditions
As with the seasonal flu program, only fully-insured groups with over 50 employees and preventive care benefits that pay 100% prior to meeting a deductible are eligible for hosting an H1N1 worksite clinic through BCBSNC. ASO (self-funded) groups may also host a worksite flu clinic, but they will be responsible for paying the cost of vaccine administration (the Federal government has already purchased the H1N1 flu vaccine serum).

In addition, the worksite must be able to guarantee that at least 25 H1N1 vaccinations will be given. Groups that fall below this minimum will be charged for any vaccinations that fall short of 25.

Children ages 10 and above may attend H1N1 worksite clinics; however, children under the age of 10 must receive two doses of the H1N1 vaccine to be fully immunized and therefore should visit their physician to receive both doses.

The nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) may be available at H1N1 flu worksite clinics in addition to the injectable shot; however, the nasal spray is only available to healthy individuals ages 2-49, and it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with asthma.

Directions
Groups interested in hosting an H1N1 worksite flu clinic must complete the H1N1 Worksite Clinic Request Form and send it directly to Maxim at bcbsnc@maxhealth.com, or fax it to 410-910-1720. If an employer has multiple worksites, one form must be completed for each site.

Employers can also access and download guidelines of how the H1N1 worksite vaccination program will work, as well as the sponsoring company responsibilities. In addition, employers can visit the BCBSNC H1N1 information page for further help with onsite clinic direction and promotion.

If you are interested in providing an onsite H1N1 clinic for your employees through BCBSNC but your group has trouble meeting some of the qualifications listed above, please contact our office to discuss other options that may be available. Should you have any questions about the BCBSNC H1N1 vaccine program, please visit the BCBSNC H1N1 website at www.bcbsnc.com/h1n1, or contact our office at 919-403-1986.

Important Notice: Hill, Chesson & Woody does not engage in the practice of law, accounting, or medicine. Therefore, the contents of this communication should not be regarded as a substitute for legal, tax, or medical advice.

December 23, 2009

Hill, Chesson & Woody
Employee Benefit Services

194 Finley Golf Course Road, Suite 200,
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919.403.1986
Fax: 919.869-2063

www.hcwbenefits.com