BCBSNC Again Offering Flu Shot Clinic Opportunities to Member Groups with Over 50 Employees
With the 2009 flu season just around the corner, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is once again offering qualified member groups with over 50 employees an opportunity to host flu shot clinics at designated worksites this fall. BCBSNC vendor Maxim Healthcare Services will operate the clinics and provide flu shots to employees who are covered with preventive benefits through BCBSNC, as well as their family members (if the employer allows).
Directions and Qualifications
Any groups interested in hosting a worksite flu clinic must complete the 2009 BCBSNC Flu Shot Request and send it to BCBSNC by September 30, 2009. Worksite clinics will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so employers are encouraged to complete the flu clinic request form as early as possible and at least two weeks in advance of the requested date. If an employer has multiple worksites, one form must be completed for each site.
Only fully-insured groups with over 50 employees and preventive care benefits that pay 100% prior to meeting a deductible are eligible for hosting a free worksite flu clinic through BCBSNC. ASO (self-funded) groups may also host a worksite flu clinic, but they will be responsible for paying the cost of the flu shots.
In addition, the worksite must be able to guarantee that at least 25 flu shots will be given. Groups that fall below this minimum will be charged for the shots that fall short of 25.
Members must present a valid BCBSNC ID card and a photo ID to receive a flu shot at the clinic. Flu shots can be administered to children ages 9-17, but children under the age of nine must go to a physician to receive their shots. In addition, Maxim Healthcare will charge $30 per flu shot for family members and employees who at not covered by BCBSNC.
Employers can also access and download guidelines of how the worksite flu shot program will work and worksite flu shot program company responsibilities. In addition, employers can visit the BCBSNC flu shot clinic page for further help with flu clinic direction and promotion:
Pneumococcal Vaccine Option
In addition to the seasonal flu vaccine, Maxim can also offer the pneumococcal vaccine to eligible participants. This vaccine is covered for BCBSNC members with 100% preventive care benefits not subject to a deductible. The vaccine is recommended for any adults over 65 years of age, or adults of any age who smoke, have serious long-term health problems, or have lowered resistance to infection due to cancer or other conditions.
Additional Flu Shot Options for EEs
BCBSNC-covered employees with 100% preventive care benefits and their families may also receive a flu shot at their doctor’s office or by an in-network pharmacist that has contracted with BCBSNC to administer vaccines, including the flu shot. If participating urgent care centers or convenience care centers submit member flu shot claims to BCBSNC and the member has 100% preventive care benefits, BCBSNC will pay for shots administered by these providers. Some members may pay a copayment or deductible depending on the location and their specific benefits.
If you are interested in providing an onsite 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 additional questions about the BCBSNC flu shot program, please visit the BCBSNC flu shot clinic page 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.
July 22, 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