Editorial Opinion: Health Insurance Plans Should Be Pro-Active with Flu Vaccine Information

By Colorado Insurance Commissioner Marcy Morrison

Epidemic. Pandemic. Influenza outbreak. The news is frightening and the truth is, nobody knows how bad this flu season could be. A new influenza strain, the novel H1N1, in Colorado is an opportunity for health insurance companies to step up for consumers and be pro-active. We must utilize every tool available to combat H1N1, and our greatest resource is education.

A new law going into effect January 1, 2010 will require Colorado health insurance plans issued or renewed after that date to cover flu vaccinations, including the cost of administering the vaccine. But waiting until January 1 could be a few months too late for this flu season. I have spoken with representatives of some of the larger health carriers in our state and urged them to be pro-active by educating consumers. I hope they will also consider offering to cover vaccination costs for insured individuals as soon as the H1N1 vaccine is available.

Some national pharmacy chains have stated they will offer no-cost seasonal flu vaccinations to uninsured people, and I think that is a wonderful first step. I am optimistic that our health insurance companies will make it easy for those who have health insurance and wish to receive vaccinations as soon as possible. Perhaps the most important step, for all of us in the public health arena, is to reach out and educate as many of our friends, neighbors and clients as possible.

As citizens it is imperative that we stay informed. Listen to the latest news and go online to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, which is updated regularly. We must also take actions every day to stay healthy including covering our mouths when we sneeze or cough, staying home if we feel sick, and be aware of public health advice regarding school closures and avoiding crowds where there may be infected individuals.

Educating our citizens is the right thing to do for public health, and it’s a good business decision as well. After all, vaccinations cost a lot less than hospitalization, so let’s keep Colorado healthy by providing the maximum access to vaccines for those who want the extra protection.