Home | Provider Directory | About Us | News | Careers | Contacts | Log In
October 12, 2009
Reminder: Important Information about H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine Coverage
In the event you did not see this alert last month, we hope you’ll have an opportunity to read this important information.
The secretary of Health and Human Services has renewed the declaration that a nationwide public health emergency exists in relation to the H1N1 virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has designated vaccination as the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza.
In keeping with our mission to improve the health, well-being and sense of security of our customers, CIGNA will communicate to our fully insured clients that we will cover H1N1 flu shot administration in any setting at 100 percent of the Medicare allowable rate national average of $20.92. Deductibles will not apply – covered individuals will not be asked for a copay or coinsurance. Self-insured clients were given the option to opt-out of this process by October 9, 2009.
This will be CIGNA’s standard approach until the potential for an emergency situation subsides.
This communication relates to the swine flu vaccine called H1N1 only. Coverage for other vaccines will be in accordance with the individual’s plan.
Because the federal government will be paying for the vaccine itself, CIGNA and other private health plans will only be asked to reimburse for the administration of the vaccine. We expect that both the traditional (i.e., physician offices) and non-traditional (e.g., health fair and retail pharmacy) sites will be used as distribution centers for the administration of the H1N1 vaccines.
By providing first dollar coverage, CIGNA is supporting the CDC recommendations and stressing the importance of making every effort to provide vaccination to appropriate individuals across the country.
For additional information, please contact your CIGNA representative.
"CIGNA", "CIGNA HealthCare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered service marks of CIGNA Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by CIGNA Corporation and its operating subsidiaries. All products and services are provided exclusively by such operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation. Such operating subsidiaries include Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Tel-Drug, Inc. and its affiliates, CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc., Intracorp, and HMO or service company subsidiaries of CIGNA Health Corporation and CIGNA Dental Health, Inc. In Arizona, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, Inc. In California, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of California, Inc. and Great-West Healthcare of California, Inc. In Connecticut, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc. In Virginia, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare Mid-Atlantic, Inc. In North Carolina, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc. All other medical plans in these states are insured or administered by Connecticut General Life Insurance Company.
