The H1N1 vaccine will soon be made available to the general public.
UnitedHealthcare, working in concert with public health authorities, providers and others, is taking a number of steps to reduce or eliminate barriers to H1N1 flu immunization.
Coverage for H1N1 Flu Vaccine
UnitedHealthcare will cover the administration of the H1N1 vaccine for its members, with no copays, deductibles or coinsurance fees.
Certain people are at greater risk of serious complications from H1N1 flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women, young children and people with underlying health issues are particularly vulnerable to H1N1 flu. The CDC recommends that they should receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. The chronic conditions that pose additional risk from H1N1 flu include asthma, diabetes, conditions that suppress the immune system, heart disease, and kidney disease.
Some population segments have priority for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. Current CDC recommendations suggest the following groups to initially receive the vaccine, with others to follow as the vaccine becomes more widely available:
- pregnant women
- caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- health care and emergency medical services personnel
- children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years old
- persons aged 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications
Where to Get the Vaccine
UnitedHealthcare has worked diligently with a number of partners to ensure that our members have a broad range of options from which to select to get the H1N1 flu vaccine:
Public Health Clinics
You may be able to receive their H1N1 vaccine at most local public health clinics at no cost or at a federally subsided rate. You can search online for a public health clinic in your area.
Doctor's Office
Contact your primary care physician or network provider to find out if they are participating in the H1N1 vaccine administration program and if you should be immunized.
Retail Pharmacies
UnitedHealthcare has established a unique partnership with a number of pharmacy chains (PDF) administering the H1N1 flu vaccine. Simply show your member ID card, and photo identification if requested, when receiving the vaccine. There's no up-front cost for you. The pharmacies will submit a fee to UnitedHealthcare for administering the vaccine. We will fully cover this fee for all insured members and debit self-funded client accounts accordingly. Please call the pharmacy first to make sure they have the vaccine, and are participating in this unique UnitedHealthcare program. More pharmacies will be added to this list in the next few weeks.
- If you get your H1N1 flu vaccination administered at a pharmacy that does not participate in the UnitedHealthcare program, you may be charged a nominal up-front cost. You may file a claim to seek reimbursement for this expense. UnitedHealthcare will reimburse all H1N1 flu vaccines administered at a pharmacy outside the UnitedHealthcare program at either the lesser of the local Medicare rate or billed charges. For Medicaid patients, reimbursement will be based on the lesser of the local Medicaid charge or billed charges.
- To submit a claim, please complete our claim form (PDF), and include a copy of your receipt, full name, member ID number, date of service and type of service (H1N1 flu vaccine administration). Mail the claim form to the address listed on the back of your member ID card.
Business Continuation Preparedness
We want to reassure clients that if this situation escalates, UnitedHealthcare is fully prepared to initiate our business continuation program, which is designed to minimize any type of service disruption.
