Members of BCBSF to receive coverage for the administration of the H1N1 vaccine

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) announces today its plans to offer coverage for the administration of the H1N1 vaccine to all members when it becomes commercially available to the public. The vaccine administration will be covered for members whose health care plans cover vaccines, as well as for those members whose plans currently do not include immunizations.

BCBSF also will continue coverage of seasonal flu vaccine administration for those whose plans cover vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine and should be given in addition to the standard flu vaccine.

The U.S. Government will be providing H1N1 vaccinations free of charge. While providers will initially focus vaccination efforts on the most at-risk populations, members of all groups will be covered.

BCBSF continues to monitor the H1N1 influenza closely. The facts of the flu virus are rapidly changing. The company is taking guidance from the CDC, and will evaluate any additional actions needed to adequately protect our members.

Contingency Planning In Place

BCBSF is well prepared in the event that a H1N1 flu outbreak challenges the company's ability to conduct business in a normal manner. BCBSF has been developing pandemic-based business continuity plans for some time, and these plans are designed and tested to address a number of disruptive events that could pose a threat to our business operations, including dealing with the possibility of an impacted workforce.

In addition, the company has well-established procedures in place to evaluate and implement coverage policy modifications as needed to respond to members' medical care needs during local, regional or national disruptive events.