Video answers questions about seasonal and pandemic flu preparedness
PORTLAND, Ore. — As part of its commitment to helping its members and the community prevent and contain the spread of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu, Regence created an informational online video called Flu: The Next Pandemic. The video, which recently won a Telly Award, is posted on myRegence.com (Regence’s member Web site), Regence.com and YouTube.
“Flu: The Next Pandemic,” which features interviews with infectious disease specialists from the Centers for Disease Control and Legacy Health Systems, offers tips to avoid the flu, dispels common myths about flu vaccines, describes flu symptoms and explains the origin of pandemic flus.
“We recognize that the flu is top of mind for our members right now, and it’s something the entire community is concerned about,” said John Stellmon, Regence’s Senior Vice President for Health Care Services. “Regence is committed to ensuring that our members and the community at large have the information they need to minimize risks during the flu season.”
In addition to member education, Regence will also provide coverage for the costs associated with the administration of the H1N1 vaccine during the 2009-2010 flu season, waiving co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance for all members covered by its insured plans. Regence will strongly encourage self-insured employers to cover the full cost to ensure that the greatest number of people are protected.
Regence will continue coverage of seasonal flu vaccine administration for those whose health plans offer vaccine coverage. No pre-authorization is required. It is important to note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Members may get their flu shots at their primary care providers’ office. Claims for these flu shots will be paid in accordance with the members’ medical benefit.
About Regence
Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest / Intermountain Region, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence serves more than 2.5 million members as Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Each health plan is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is committed to improving the health of our members and our communities, and to transforming our health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or follow us on Twitter.