eHealthInsurance (NASDAQ: EHTH) today released a list of answers to questions frequently asked from people concerned about the H1N1 virus (also called swine flu) and their health insurance, who have called into its Customer Care Center, which includes a call center staffed with licensed insurance agents. Getting answers to these questions is particularly important for high-risk individuals: pregnant women, children and seniors.
In a recently released consumer survey of individuals shopping for health insurance conducted by eHealthInsurance's Customer Care Center, 38.8 percent of survey respondents were uninsured at the time of the survey(1). The insured and the uninsured alike have questions and concerns about the H1N1 virus and how to handle vaccination and treatment with their insurance company.
Given the unique nature of the H1N1 virus, eHealthInsurance has provided answers to frequently asked questions by insured and uninsured consumers:
1. Do I need insurance to get the H1N1 vaccine? No.
2. How do I get the H1N1 vaccine? Each state will have its own plan for delivering the vaccine. For details on what's happening in your state you can go to the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/statecontacts.htm
If you have insurance: It's likely that vaccine will be available in your primary care physician's office, but in some cases they may refer you to an outside resource.
If you're uninsured: Your state will likely have the vaccine available in other settings, like organized vaccination clinics, schools, or other private settings, such as pharmacies and business offices.
3. What is the cost to receive the H1N1 vaccine? The government will be providing the vaccine for free, but there may be an additional cost to have it administered, depending on where you receive the vaccine.
If you have insurance: Most insurance companies consider vaccinations to be preventive care. So, what you pay will depend on how your particular plan covers preventive care.
If you're uninsured: Again, the government will be providing the vaccine for free in some locations. Refer to the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/statecontacts.htm to locate a vaccination center in your area. The list on the CDC web site also contains phone numbers for your state that you can call for more information.
4. What can I do to prevent catching the H1N1 virus besides getting the vaccine? The CDC has provided several tips on prevention, which -- by and large -- are consistent with the steps one should take to prevent getting the regular flu. These measures include things like covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze; washing your hands frequently; using disinfectant hand gel; avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes and staying home if you feel sick. For more detailed information, eHealth encourages you to visit the government's flu web site located at www.flu.gov