Blue Shield of California to Cover H1N1 Flu Vaccine Administration for All Members

Blue Shield of California to Cover H1N1 Flu Vaccine Administration for All
Members

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California
announced today that it will cover the administrative costs of the H1N1 virus
(swine flu) vaccine for all its members, regardless of which plan they have.
Blue Shield will be waiving prior authorizations, copays and deductibles for
office visits when members go to an in-network doctor to get H1N1
vaccinations.

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

Blue Shield of California also provides prescription drug coverage for Tamiflu
(oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) -- the two anti-viral drugs used to
treat flu symptoms. The company has designated both drugs as Tier One
prescriptions, which reduces the copayment that members make to get the
medication. Coverage is also being extended for conditions authorized by the
FDA under Emergency Use Authorization. This coverage applies to all members.

"We stand ready to help our members in every way possible," said Meredith
Mathews, M.D., chief medical officer of Blue Shield of California. "We want
to make it easy and affordable for everyone to get the care they need."

In addition, Blue Shield will be providing H1N1 educational materials to
members in order to familiarize them with both prevention and treatment
options.

Blue Shield of California continues to monitor the H1N1 influenza outbreak
closely. The facts of the outbreak and the flu virus are rapidly changing, so
please refer to the CDC website or call 800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or
e-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov for emerging details.

Background on Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Shield
Association, is a not-for-profit health plan dedicated to providing
Californians with access to high quality care at a reasonable price. Founded
in 1939, it now has 3.4 million members, 4,800 employees, one of the largest
provider networks and more than 20 office locations, providing a wide range of
commercial and government products throughout the state. The company has
contributed $100 million over the past three years to the Blue Shield of
California Foundation to fund nonprofit organizations that improve access to
quality health care in California. Contact your local agent or broker for more
information about Blue Shield products and services, or visit the Blue Shield
web site at www.blueshieldca.com.
CONTACT: Erica Perng
Manager of Corporate Communications
(415) 229-6171
erica.perng@blueshieldca.com

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

Erica Perng, Manager of Corporate Communications, Blue Shield of California,
+1-415-229-6171, erica.perng@blueshieldca.com