Working to prevent and contain the spread of the H1N1 virus is an important priority at Regence. This includes educating our members on facts about the virus, prevention of illness and information on the vaccine.
To remove financial barriers associated with administration of the H1N1 vaccine and to encourage members to seek vaccination, Regence will provide coverage for the costs associated with the administration of the H1N1 vaccine, waiving co-pays and deductibles for all members covered by its insured plans. Members will need to go to a Regence participating provider or a pharmacy that is contracted with Regence to provide the vaccine in order to assure they have no out-of-pocket expense.
Many of our self-insured employers have also agreed to cover the full cost to ensure that the greatest number of people are protected (check with your group administrator for details).
Please see the lists of pharmacy locations, by state, that are contracted with Regence to provide the vaccine. We also recommend that members contact the pharmacy to ensure they have the H1N1 vaccine available and the dates/times of their clinics. Other flu shot vendors who hold clinics and have contracted with us to provide H1N1 vaccinations to our members are also listed.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Participating Pharmacies in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
If you choose to obtain your vaccination from a pharmacy (or flu shot vendor) that has not contracted with Regence to administer H1N1 vaccines, or from any other provider who is not participating with Regence, you may be responsible for additional cost-sharing for the administration of the vaccine. Be sure to present your member card to your provider before receiving the vaccine. Regence participating providers, and pharmacies and flu shot vendors that have contracted with Regence to administer the H1N1 vaccine, should submit the claim on your behalf.
In cases where the provider charges you to receive the H1N1 vaccination, be sure to send an itemized copy of the billing to Regence Pharmacy Services, P.O. Box 12625 M/S S4P, Salem OR 97309, along with your receipt of payment. The itemized bill must identify the patient's name, the provider's name, the date of service, and a complete itemization of services rendered. Regence will reimburse you directly for the allowed amount for the administrative cost of obtaining the vaccine.
This additional benefit will be offered to our members only until the end of July 2010.
Regence will coordinate its efforts with state and federal authorities to ensure the widest possible administration of the vaccine in an effort to mitigate the potential consequences of an H1N1 pandemic. We are closely monitoring the H1N1 flu and staying apprised of updates from our state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Who should be vaccinated
Based on its analysis of the current situation, The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing the following population segments to receive the vaccine:
- 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
How to be prepared
There are steps everyone can take to prepare. Keep a supply of food and medicines on hand in case you have to stay home, and practice good public health measures like frequent hand washing and staying home when sick. For more good information, visit one or more of the following resources:
