H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

A clear understanding of your current health insurance policy is always important but with the increased demand for health care provider service, people must ensure they’re informed of the specific details of their plan.  Be sure to read your policy to ensure you understand the answers to the following questions:

• Is pre-authorization required for hospital admission or other services?
• Which hospitals and doctors in your area are in your policy network?
• If you will be traveling, what hospitals and doctors will be available in-network at that location?
• Do walk-in urgent care facilities accept your policy? In areas heavily affected by the influenza pandemic your regular doctor may be unavailable.
• The government is providing the vaccine free-of-charge but private health care providers may charge a fee for providing the vaccine.
• Does your policy cover the administration of the vaccine?
• Does your policy require co-pay for yearly flu vaccinations?
• Does your policy require co-pay for the H1N1 vaccination?  If so, what is the amount?
• If obtaining the vaccination requires an office visit, does the office visit require separate co-pay?
• Does your policy require co-pay for the common H1N1 treatments such as Tamiflu and Relenza?  Does the policy limit the number of doses?
• What is the amount of out-of-network co-pay with your policy?

Business Interruption Insurance

Business owners might be concerned about having to shut down their operations due to an outbreak or absenteeism. Check your business interruption policy to see what eventualities will trigger coverage under your plan. Coverage generally requires the interruption to be caused by physical damage or loss (e.g., fire or weather).

Business interruption policies generally will not be triggered by epidemic or pandemic warnings or alerts from public officials. Business owners will need to rely on existing risk management and business continuity plans to mitigate losses due to emerging public health crises.