Information Regarding CareFirsts H1N1 Policy

The seasonal flu vaccine, which is available each fall and winter, is normally administered by a contracted doctor and is administered in a doctors office or other clinical setting within the CareFirst provider network. The H1N1 vaccine, on the other hand, will be administered in many non-network locations, such as local health departments, schools, pharmacies and workplaces. To ensure that you have access to this vaccination, the CareFirst policy for all groupsexcept self-insured employer groupsis to cover the H1N1 immunization as "in-network" regardless of who administers the shot. What This Means to You

If your particular benefit plan currently includes immunization benefits, CareFirst will cover the cost to administer the H1N1 vaccine per your groups benefit contract, but waive: 1. 2. Any contractual penalties for obtaining services from out-of-network providers. Any referral or authorization requirements.

CareFirsts H1N1 policy will now increase your access to receive the vaccination.

You will still be responsible for any cost sharing provisions (i.e., deductible, copay, coinsurance or balance billing) as outlined in your contract. For the very small number of insurance plans that do not offer immunization benefits, CareFirst will reimburse those members at 100% of the allowed amount.

Who Should Get the Vaccine? Initially the supply of the vaccine may be unpredictable and available in limited quantities. Therefore the following groups have been targeted as a priority: Pregnant women. People who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and day care providers). People 6 months through 24 years of age. People 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Health care and emergency medical services personnel. Note: Children under 10 years of age will require 2 rounds of the vaccine.

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is the shared business name of CareFirst of Maryland, Inc. and Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Registered trademark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Registered trademark of CareFirst of Maryland, Inc.

Where You Can Get the Vaccine Every state is developing its own vaccine delivery plan. The vaccine will be available in many locations such as: Vaccination clinics organized by local health departments. Health care provider offices. Schools. Other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.
In Maryland, you can search for vaccine availability by zip code by visiting www.flu.maryland.gov - or Call 1-877-MDFLU4U. To find flu shot locations in other states, go to www.flu.gov for more information.

How can I protect myself from the H1N1 flu? Spread of the H1N1 flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through the coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Therefore:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcoholbased hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

We encourage our members, groups and brokers to refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ for the most accurate and updated information and guidance.