Four insurers agree to cover swine-flu vaccine

Getting an H1N1 flu shot probably won't cost you anything if you are insured through major health plans.

Insurers UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield all have agreed to cover fees charged by providers to give the shots.

The federal government is providing the vaccine, needles, syringes, alcohol swabs and sharps-disposal containers at no cost, but providers can charge a fee for their time and overhead to give the shots.

"We want to support the public health effort," said Dr. Frank Brown, a medical director at Anthem in Henrico County.

Anthem has about 3 million members in Virginia. H1N1 flu shots will not be subject to co-pays or deductibles. The policy applies to fully insured employers, not self-funded plans.

Some insurers also are making arrangements with drug stores and other pharmacies so patients need only show their insurance card to get the shot (as opposed to paying the pharmacy fee and filing for reimbursement).

Traditionally, most flu vaccine is administered in the private sector.

Many health plans cover annual flu shots as preventive care that is not subject to co-pays or deductibles.

People should contact their health plans for specifics.

Most of the H1N1 flu vaccine available so far has been sent to doctors' offices and public health agencies. H1N1 vaccine is expected to become available at retail stores during the week of Nov. 20.

"Hopefully it's sooner rather than later," said John Beckner, director of pharmacy and health services at Ukrop's Super Markets Inc. "Maybe we will be pleasantly surprised and it comes a week earlier."