CIGNA to Cover Swine Flu Vaccinations

CIGNA recently announced that it will cover all H1N1 “Swine” Flu vaccinations at 100% for all fully insured member groups as a preventive care benefit once the vaccine becomes available. CIGNA also intends to extend this 100% coverage to all self-funded members as a covered service unless the employer explicitly directs them otherwise by completing and submitting a designated Opt-Out form.

Covered members will have no deductibles, co-pays or coinsurance, and prior authorization will not be required. CIGNA will pay the allowed administrative cost, while the federal government will pay for the vaccine itself.

CIGNA 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.

For more information about the H1N1 flu, CIGNA has prepared multiple resources that members can access at www.myCIGNA.com, and also on CIGNA’s general H1N1 information page. 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 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