Protect You And Your Loved Ones By Getting Your Annual Flu Shot
As COVID-19 continues to affect people worldwide, its more important than ever to get immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases, such as the flu. Getting the flu shot can keep you healthy and help ensure that healthcare systems arent overwhelmed by having to treat both flu and COVID-19 patients.
How To Enroll In Medicare Plans For Flu Shot Coverage
Medicares annual open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Most people enroll in Medicare when they first become eligible at age 65. If youre already collecting social security benefits, its likely that youre already automatically enrolled in Original Medicare therefore, theres no need for you to sign up for anything.
If youre not collecting social security benefits, you have to enroll yourself, which you can do within the three months before and after the month you turn 65. If you miss this window and dont qualify for an exception, youll likely have to wait for Medicares next enrollment period or pay a late enrollment penalty.
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What’s True About The Flu
Learn the facts about flu season
In the 2021-2022 flu season, up to 170,000 people were hospitalized for problems caused by seasonal flu.1 Reduce your risk: Get an annual flu shot.
Many Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina members can get a flu shot at no extra cost.2 Check your preventive care benefits for your coverage and if any copay, deductible or coinsurance applies.
You can get a flu shot at these locations:
Worksite Clinic3
Some members can get a flu shot where they work. Many employers have worksite flu shot clinics at no cost to the member. Members of a group plan should check with their Human Resources or benefits department to learn more.
In-network pharmacists
Members can go to an in-network, immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic to get a flu shot. Some North Carolina pharmacists have contracted with Blue Cross NC to give flu shots. North Carolina immunizing pharmacists can give flu shots to those ages 10 and up. Some members may pay a copay, deductible or coinsurance, depending on their specific benefits.
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To find in-network pharmacists, visit Find a doctor and verify the ZIP code for your search. Begin typing “Pharmacist” into the search box and under Specialties, select “Pharmacist “.
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To find a participating MinuteClinic, begin typing “Convenience Care Centers” and select Convenience Care Centers Convenience Care .
Pharmacies
- The State Health Plan
- Medicare Part D plans
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Seasonal Flu Coverage And Benefits
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and well-being is to get an annual flu shot. Each year thousands of people are hospitalized because of complications from the flu. Thats why we encourage all our members to get their yearly flu vaccination.
Most Independence Blue Cross members with prescription drug coverage will pay $0 for a flu shot at an in-network pharmacy or provider.¹ Members will not need a referral, precertification, or preapproval to get their seasonal flu vaccine.
Whether in or outside of our service area, members should be able to receive a flu shot from in-network providers without having to pay upfront or submit a form for reimbursement.
Find an in-network provider
To find an in-network pharmacy or provider near you, log in at ibx.com.
Please note: For members who have 100 percent coverage for services in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, no cost-share should be applied for the vaccine and administration of the vaccine when it is administered by an in-network provider.
Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plan. Individual benefits must be verified.
Can I Get A Flu Shot If Im Pregnant Diabetic Or Have Chronic Illnesses
Its especially important for certain people to get vaccinated, such as those who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. This includes:
- People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, weakened immune systems, diabetes and chronic heart or lung disease
- People ages 65& plus
- People who live with or care for others who are at high risk for developing serious complications.
The flu can be a serious disease. Any flu infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalization or death, even among otherwise healthy individuals.
Our dedicated pharmacists are here for you if you have any questions related to receiving vaccinations.
Get the facts about the flu
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Doctors Offices Or Hospitals
All Blue Shield and Blue Shield Promise members can get their flu shot from their primary doctor .
You may need to call ahead of time to set up an appointment at your primary doctors office. Or you can ask to have the shot during your next visit. Your local hospital or community clinic may also be offering flu shots.
Does Anthem Cover Flu Shots
- Anthem Medicare Advantage plans cover flu shots because they’re also covered by Original Medicare . You may be able to find Anthem Medicare plans that include prescription drug coverage, vaccinations, dental, hearing, vision, transportation and more.
Many people will stop to ask themselves if their flu shot will be covered by their insurance before making an appointment. So does Anthem cover flu shots?
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is part of the Anthem family of brands and is a blue health plan brand. Medicare Advantage plans from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, or simply Anthem for short, do indeed cover flu shots.
In fact, all health insurers are bound by a rule in the Affordable Care Act that requires health insurance plans to cover all federally recommended vaccines in full, when certain criteria are met. That means no copayment, coinsurance or deductible is charged to the patient. And among those federally recommended vaccines is the flu shot.
Anthem Medicare Advantage plans also cover an annual flu shot because its also covered by Medicare Part B. All Medicare Advantage plans including those offered by Anthem and its affiliate companies are required to cover everything that Original Medicare covers.
You can use the online Anthem flu shot finder tool to locate a facility near you offering flu shots covered by Anthem.
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Where To Get Your Flu Shot
As a BCBSRI member, you can get a flu shot at no cost at participating pharmacies, in-network doctors offices, and Rhode Island flu clinics.2 In addition to the flu shot, a nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for use in healthy non-pregnant individuals ages 2 to 49. People with certain medical conditions should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine, so please check with your provider.
Please note that BCBSRI Medicare Advantage members can get their flu shot at any out-of-state pharmacy, even if it is not in the participating pharmacies list.
Participating pharmacies
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Who Should Get The Flu Shot
The CDC recommends that anyone over the age of six months should get a flu shot.
Some people have a higher risk for developing flu-related complications. If you have chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease you should make getting the flu shot a high priority. The same is true for people who are 65 and older.
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Pick Up And Drop Off Ups Packages
Offering extra flexibility, convenience, and safety to all your packaging and shipment needs, our CVS store is now an active UPS Access Point. Drop-off and pick up your packages with UPS tracking available, so you can be sure itâs arrived. Weâll hold packages for up to 7 days, so you can pick them up on your schedule. For UPS package drop-offs, we accept pre-labeled, prepaid packages for 5 to 7 day ground and air delivery. UPS will collect all packages within 24 hours.
Find more UPS Access Point information for packages that may not qualify for shipment from our location.
What Do I Need To Know About Flu Shots
Who is this for?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members under age 65. If you’re a Medicare member, please visit our Medicare flu and pneumonia shots page to learn more.
There’s never been a more important time to get your flu shot. You can learn about it here. You might also want to know the symptoms of the flu versus COVID-19.
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Does Medicare Advantage Cover Flu Shots
Medicare Advantage plans, which are often referred to as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies and typically include Part D, or prescription drug coverage. These plans provide a way to get additional Medicare benefits based on your individual needs.
Medicare Advantage plans cover 100% of the Medicare-approved amount for an annual flu shot, says Christian Worstell, a North Carolina-based licensed insurance agent. Plus, he notes, Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan typically wont have to pay a coinsurance or copayment for the flu shot. Thats true as long as you visit a doctor who accepts Medicare and the terms of your Medicare Advantage plan, he says.
Does Cvs At 3610 W Anthem Way Anthem Az 85086 Test For Coronavirus
CVS Health is conducting lab coronavirus testing at 3610 W. Anthem Way Anthem, AZ. Patients are required to schedule an appointment for covid testing in advance. Limited appointments are available to qualifying patients due to high demand. Test types vary by location and will be confirmed during the scheduling process. Patients must bring their insurance card and proof of identity*. Please view our other coronavirus support options for more information. Also, find at-home COVID tests for sale online and in-store.
*Insurance is not required at community testing locations.
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Are Flu Shots Free For All Older Adults
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older, with few exceptions, receive an annual flu vaccination. The cost of the flu shot depends on the specific vaccine administered and the persons health insurance coverage. With insurance, including Medicare, many older adults can get the flu shot for free. Check the details of your plan to learn whether you should expect any fee when getting your annual flu vaccine.
Getting A Clue About Flu Shots
You really should get a flu shot.
But if you get one at a drugstore, you might find yourself wondering whether theyre playing fast and loose with peoples insurance coverage so the company can score some extra cash.
Paul Rubenstein, 39, has faced such a possibility for two years. The Mar Vista resident is insured by Anthem Blue Cross. His wife is insured by Health Net.
Last year, they went to a local CVS store for flu shots. The pharmacy worker ran both their insurance cards through the computer and said that neither insurer was covering vaccinations.
So Rubenstein and his wife paid about $30 each for the shots and went on their way.
This year, he decided to check in advance. Rubenstein called Anthem to ask whether he was covered for a flu shot. A company rep answered that, yes, he was covered.
So Rubenstein recently visited a nearby Albertsons and requested a shot at the stores Sav-On drugstore. The worker ran his insurance card through the system and said it didnt look as if Rubenstein was covered.
It was only after Rubenstein insisted that his insurer covered flu shots that the store worker tried the card again and, lo and behold, this time it showed he was covered.
An Anthem spokesman confirmed for me that flu shots are covered at most retail pharmacies.
Rubenstein said he later shared his experience with a colleague, who responded that she, too, had been told that her insurance didnt cover flu shots.
Let me know if youve had a similar experience.
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Which Providers Accept Medicare For Flu Shots
Many hospital networks, health care providers and pharmacies nationwide accept Medicare for flu shots. Contact your preferred provider to learn whether they accept Medicare for annual flu vaccinations before scheduling your appointment. You can also visit Medicare.gov and use its provider search tool to determine who in your care network accepts Original Medicare, the coverage used for flu vaccinations.
When Do Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans Pay For Flu Shots
Medicare Part B covers one flu shot annually. And if the provider administering the shot accepts Medicare assignment, there is no charge to the beneficiary. Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to provide the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B.
If you have an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan, your flu shot will be covered, and you should have an opportunity to pay nothing out of pocket if you meet certain restrictions put forth by your plan. You may need to visit an in-network provider to receive full coverage of your flu shot, and you may have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs if you get your flu shot from an out-of-network provider or pharmacy.
Its important to note though that each individual insurer retains a little bit of wiggle room within those federal guidelines.
- For instance, an insurer may require that the flu shot be administered by an in-network provider. If the shot is received at an out-of-network location, the insurer may be allowed to charge a copayment or apply a deductible.
- An insurer might only grant full coverage for a flu shot when received during an annual physical or wellness exam. If the shot is given outside of that appointment, you might incur charges.
- Likewise, insurers may also be allowed to charge a copayment for an office visit or apply the costs to your deductible if any other services were rendered during the same appointment.
You may also log into your online Anthem account to review the terms of your coverage.
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Can I Get A Flu Shot And Covid
Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time, per CDC recommendation.
There are other vaccines you can receive with the flu shot, as well including shingles, pneumonia, whooping cough, and others. Your pharmacist can help you decide what is best for you.
Save a trip and schedule multiple vaccines for one appointment.
How Much Does A Flu Shot Cost With Medicare
If you have Original Medicare coverage, the flu shot will cost you $0.
If youre wondering where you can get the flu shot, the answer is lots of places, including your doctors office or a local pharmacy. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact the plan provider to find out where exactly you can go for your flu shot. Most places accept Medicare Advantage plans, according to medicare.gov.
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Other Flu Shot Options
You may also be able to get a flu shot at your doctors office or at a health clinic, such as a convenience clinic at a retail pharmacy.
In such settings, coverage would be under your preventive care benefits and the terms of your specific health plan would apply. You may need to pay some out-of-pockets costs. For instance, you may need to pay a fee for administration of the vaccine.
Additionally, some employers sponsor annual flu vaccines. Check with your Human Resources department to find out if this is an option for you.
When Should I Get The Flu Shot
Early fall is the best time to get your flu shot. Getting vaccinated early is important, because the flu is highly contagious and spreads rapidly.
Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to protect itself. It takes about two weeks to be effective, so don’t wait. Peak months for the flu season in Michigan are November through April.
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Can The Flu Shot Make Me Sick
No, flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Some people report having mild side effects after flu vaccination, such as:
- Low-grade fever
- Arm pain at the injection site
To help ease the pain and avoid the symptoms, you can take a pain reliever like Tylenol or Ibuprofen for muscle aches, headaches and a low-grade fever.
For arm pain, apply a cool compress and keep your arm moving after the shot.
Get the facts about the flu
Does Cvs At 3610 W Anthem Way Anthem Az 85086 Offer Flu Shots
Flu shots are offered at the CVS Pharmacy at 3610 W. Anthem Way Anthem, AZ 85086.
Schedule your flu shot ahead of time so you can get in and out faster. Provide your insurance information and answer questions online ahead of time. Shop cold and flu and stay prepared this cold and flu season with immunity support products and more.
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Anthem Blue Cross Collaborates With Cvs Pharmacyto Increase Access To Health Products
Anthem Medicare Advantage consumers will be able to use their plan allowance to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related products at CVS Pharmacy stores
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.—-Anthem Blue Cross announced today that, beginning January 2019, consumers enrolled in its Medicare Advantage health plans will be able to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related products at CVS Pharmacy stores using their health plans allowance. The addition of CVS Pharmacy to Anthems network of OTC retailers is part of the companys continued commitment of making healthcare simpler for consumers and improving their health and well-being.
Creating an enhanced healthcare experience for Californians and giving them easier access to the products and services that aid consumers in leading healthier lives requires us to develop meaningful solutions for the individuals enrolled in our plans, said Josh Martin, President of Anthems Medicare West Region. We are pleased to work together with CVS Pharmacy because we share the common goal of helping individuals manage their health in more effective ways. We believe that collaborations like this can make a tremendous difference for consumers who often are managing chronic medical conditions.
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