H1N1 Flu Information for Seniors Prepared by CMS for
Medicare, Medicaid Beneficiaries
Medicare’s coverage of H1N1 flu vaccine and more
explained in Q&A below
Oct. 13, 2009 – Due to concerns among senior
citizens about H1N1 flu, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) has opened a Web page with information specifically for people on
Medicare and Medicaid. The basic information is presented in a question
and answer presentation by Medicare, which appears below.
2009 H1N1, sometimes referred to as "swine flu," is
an influenza virus that causes illness in people. This new virus was
first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and is
different from the flu virus that is typically experienced in the US
every flu season.
In June 2009, the World Health Organization
declared it a pandemic. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.
In anticipation of concerns about this new virus
and in response to questions about H1N1, Medicare, and Medicaid,
CMS says it continues to develop information
products about H1N1 including the comprehensive set of questions and
answers with Original Medicare coverage and payment information,
Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) information, and
more.
It also has links to other helpful information,
such as, the HHS Pandemic Flu site that includes questions and answers
about H1N1, including how the virus is spread and how to prevent it.
Check back frequently for updated information,
including products for people with Medicare and people with Medicaid. -
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/H1N1/
2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as “swine
flu”) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. It is causing
illness in people. The virus spreads from person-to-person, probably in
much the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread.
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu are similar to the
symptoms of regular seasonal flu. These symptoms include fever, cough,
sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and
fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with the
2009 H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
If you have flu-like symptoms, call your
doctor’s office right away.
Is there a vaccine for 2009 H1N1 flu, like there is for the seasonal
flu?
Yes. The initial doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine are
currently available for those athighest risk for infection. Additional
doses are scheduled for shipment each week.
Who should get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine?
There are some groups of people who have a higher
risk of getting the 2009 H1N1 fluthan others. Therefore, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that the following
groups get their vaccine as soon as it becomes available in their area: ● Pregnant women ● People who live with or care
for children younger than 6 months of age ● Healthcare and emergency
medical services personnel ● Persons between the ages of 6
months through 24 years ● People ages 25 through 64 years
who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders or weakened
immune systems
Healthy 25 through 64 year olds and adults 65
years and older should also be vaccinated as more vaccine becomes
available.
Unlike the regular flu, people age 65 and older
have a lower risk than younger age groups for getting the 2009 H1N1 flu.
However, you should talk to your doctor to learn if you are in a risk
category.
If you have Medicare because you are disabled or
have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you may be in one of these higher
risk groups.
Talk with your doctor about if and when to get
the vaccine.
Note: If you are sick and need to be in close
contact with someone who has a higher risk of getting the 2009 H1N1 flu,
consider wearing a surgical mask or cover your nose and mouth with a
tissue. Remember to wash your hands frequently.
Will Medicare cover the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine?
Yes. Medicare will cover administration of the 2009
H1N1 flu. Your doctor or healthcare provider can’t charge you for the
2009 H1N1 vaccine because they received the vaccine for free. You pay
nothing for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine’s administration if your doctor or
health care provider accepts assignment. Assignment means that your
doctor, provider, or supplier has signed an agreement with Medicare to
accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered
services. The Part B deductible and coinsurance don’t apply to the2009
H1N1 vaccine or its administration.
Yes, you should still get the seasonal flu vaccine.
Medicare will pay for the seasonal flu vaccine once per flu season. You
pay nothing if your doctor or health care provider accepts assignment.
The seasonal flu vaccine is different from the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.
The CDC is encouraging people to get both vaccines.
Are there medicines to treat the 2009 H1N1 flu?
Yes. There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for
treating both seasonal and H1N1 flu called “antiviral drugs.” These
drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious
complications.
This flu season, antiviral drugs are being used
mainly to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be
hospitalized, and to treat sick people who are more likely to get
serious flu complications. Contact your doctor for advice on how to
treat the H1N1 flu. Remember, most people with 2009 H1N1 flu have had
mild illness and haven’t needed medical care or antiviral drugs, and the
same is true of seasonal flu.
If you have Medicare prescription drug coverage,
antiviral drugs may be covered. Check with your plan.
Where can I find more information about the 2009 H1N1flu, including how
the virus is spread and how to prevent it?
For more information about the 2009 H1N1 flu, visit
www.flu.gov or the Centers for Disease Control Web site at
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ You can also call 1-800-CDC-INFO
(1-800-232-4636) for more information.
Where can I find out more about Medicare?
For more information about Medicare, visit
http://www.medicare.gov. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE
(1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Oct. 13, 2009 – Due to concerns among senior
citizens about H1N1 flu, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) has opened a Web page with information specifically for people on
Medicare and Medicaid. The basic information is presented in a question
and answer presentation by Medicare, which appears below.
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