UnitedHealthcare to Cover Swine Flu Vaccinations

UnitedHealhcare recently announced that it will provide coverage for H1N1 “Swine” Flu vaccinations for all fully insured member groups. UHC also intends to process all self-funded claims as a covered service unless the employer explicitly directs them otherwise.

UHC is coordinating efforts with federal and state authorities to ensure the widest possible administration of the vaccine. Based on its current analysis, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended the following population segments receive the vaccine:

• Pregnant women;
  
• Caregivers for children younger than six months of age;
  
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel;
  
• Children and young adults from six months through 24 years old; and
  
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications.
  
  

Other population segments will be able to receive the vaccine, as it is made available.

UHC is also reminding employers that antiviral therapy is an important part of the prevention and treatment of H1N1 flu. For employers whose prescription benefit plan is managed through UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions, antiviral drugs Tamiflu (oseltamir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are covered under the plan.

For more information about the H1N1 flu, UHC has developed a Frequently Asked Questions document that members can access at www.myuhc.com by clicking on the “Health and Wellness” tab and running a search for “H1N1”. Additional information is available at the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

Should you have any additional questions about coverage of the H1N1 vaccine, please 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.

September 1, 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