BCBSNC releases details on 2011 flu shot program

BCBSNC announced that its flu shot program for 2011 will be administered as in past years, with the following changes:

• BCBSNC will send an email about worksite clinics to groups of 51+
• The email will include a link to the online Clinic Request Form
• BCBSNC will send a follow-up email to those groups that have not yet signed up for a clinic

Like Last Year:

• Groups with immunization/preventive care benefits that pay at 100 percent prior to meeting a deductible who meet certain criteria can work with BCBSNC to arrange a free flu shot clinic at their worksite(s).
• Members who currently have a copayment plan and receive a flu shot either at an on-site Maxim clinic, pharmacy, Minute Clinic, or any applicable non-physician practitioner will be covered without a copay required. This is similar to the BCBSNC benefit for immunizations, where as long as a claim for a physician's visit is not filed, then the administration of the shot is available at no additional member cost.
• Flu shots will be available from doctor’s offices, at worksite flu shot clinics, or by in-network pharmacists who are certified to provide certain immunizations, including the flu vaccine and participating in the BCBSNC network.
• ASO groups will be responsible for paying for the cost of flu shots. Groups that participate in a Maxim worksite flu clinic can take advantage of the $25 per-shot fee that BCBSNC has negotiated with Maxim for covered BCBSNC members.
• BCBSNC members can find information at www.bcbsnc.com/flu. Employer groups can find information, including tips, posters and FAQs documents, on the employer website.
• If participating urgent care centers or convenience care centers submit member flu shot claims to BCBSNC and the member has 100 percent immunization/preventive care benefits, BCBSNC will pay for shots administered by these participating providers. Some members may pay a copayment, or deductible, depending on the location and their specific benefits.
• Maxim requires 25 vaccinations per clinic. Groups that fall below this minimum will be charged for the shots that fall short of 25.
• Any group that can meet the minimum requirement for vaccinations can participate, but BCBSNC is only actively promoting clinics to groups of 51+, since it is unlikely that smaller groups will meet this requirement. Groups can request flu shot clinics by using the online request form found at www.bcbsnc.com/fluclinic. This form is easier for the group and will allow Maxim to provide faster turnarounds to get clinics scheduled.
• H1N1 is now included as part of the standard flu vaccination.