October 22, 2009

H1N1 vaccination covered 100 percent by all Purdue medical plans

Anyone covered by a Purdue medical plan can get the H1N1 vaccine at no cost once the vaccine becomes available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  is identifying the order in which priority groups should receive the vaccine. Those in the highest priority groups are:
* Pregnant women.
* Caregivers for children younger than 6 months.
* Health care and emergency medical personnel.
* Children and young adults from ages 6 months to 24 years, especially those with underlying health conditions.
* People ages 25 through 64 who have other health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications.

In Tippecanoe County, the county health department is distributing vaccine to the University, public health clinics, doctors' offices and retail pharmacies as it becomes available. The University’s share will be available to students as well as employees and dependents. Those seeking vaccination are encouraged to call their health care provider to determine availability at that location.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing the vaccine serum and supplies at no charge. Administration costs are not covered and are the responsibility of the patient.

Purdue has agreed to cover the administration costs of the H1N1 vaccine for employees and their dependents covered under its medical insurance plans. There will be no co-pays, coinsurance, deductible or limitations, regardless of provider network affiliation.

Purdue’s 2009 medical plan administrators are UMR and UnitedHealthcare (UHC). Participants getting their H1N1 vaccine at a retail pharmacy will need to show their medical plan identification card (not their pharmacy ID) and another piece of identification, such as a driver’s license.

Details about H1N1 vaccination coverage through 2010 medical plans will be available as the new year gets closer. For more information, contact Staff Benefits at staffbenefits@purdue.edu or  49-42222 or refer to guidelines provided by UMR and UHC.