A recent article published by Lydell C. Bridgeford on the Employee Benefits News website announced that the Employee Benefit Research Institute released a Fact Sheet in Q & A format that underscores key information concerning health insurance coverage for H1N1 and flu shots.

The article goes on to state that on October 5th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention commenced a campaign nationally, with the aim of immunizing at least 50% of the U.S. nation against the new variation of the H1N1 virus. The government endeavours to hit this goal as it purchased approximately 250 million prescribed dosage amounts of the vaccine; costing the government $2 billion.

As a result of growing questions put forth to the Employee Benefit Research Institute in relation to employment-based health coverage and H1N1 vaccinations, the institute assembled a list of answers to questions and concerns employers had on the topic of H1N1 vaccinations and health insurance. The questions and corresponding responses are listed below.


Q: Will insurance plans cover H1N1 flu shots?

A: This year, the government is paying for the cost of the H1N1 vaccine. Large insurers in Missouri and Illinois have announced they will cover all H1N1 flu shot costs (including physician fees), and others may follow.

Q: Are seasonal flu shots covered by employer-based health coverage?

A: Coverage may be part of insurance plans, but this is a matter negotiated between employers and insurers. Employees should check with their insurer to determine coverage for flu shots and what co-payments may apply.

Q: Are there options for obtaining free seasonal or H1N1 shots if my insurer does not cover them?

A: The situation is evolving, but press reports indicate local officials in many areas are trying to organize clinics at schools and other places. The timing and availability may depend, in particular, on the availability of the H1N1 vaccine. Your local health department is a good place to check for information.

Q: Where can I get more information about the H1N1 flu and preparations to address it?

 The Congressional Research Service, an arm of the U.S. Congress, covers these and other details in a paper titled "The 2009 Influenza Pandemic: An Overview."

 Information about the seasonal and H1N1 flu is not only posted on the CDC’s Web site, but also on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Web site.

 The World Health Organization, which has declared the global spread of the H1N1 flu to be a flu pandemic (a widespread epidemic that affects people in many different countries), has numerous documents on its Web site about the flu.