Can A Cold Give You The Flu
While the cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses that may share a number of symptoms, theyre caused by different viruses. Colds are most often caused by more than 200 different viruses, while the flu is caused by three types of influenza virus. Also, the effects of the flu are usually more severe than a cold and may lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia.
Schedule Your Flu Shot Today
Our online scheduling makes it easier than ever for you to get your flu shot when its convenient for you. You choose the time that works best.
Now more than ever, its important to stay healthy and safe during flu season. UI Health Care has the options and the expertise you need. Well even update your UI Health Care medical record, so your providers will know youve had your shot.
Do I Need A Flu Shot Every Year
The flu shot is recommended as a yearly vaccine for a couple of reasons per the CDC.4
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Where Can I Get A Flu Shot
If you have a UnitedHealthcare health plan, you can get a flu shot at more than 50,000 locations. And the flu vaccine is covered at 100% for most benefit plans, which means you can get a flu shot at no additional cost to you.
Talk with your health care provider, or enter your zip code to find a flu shot location near you.
Are There Any Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine
You may experience mild side effects associated with getting a flu shot or a nasal spray flu vaccine, such as soreness, fever, headache or muscle aches. Side effects generally dont last long and tend to be minor when compared to the symptoms of a bad case of flu.
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Flu Shots: Frequently Asked Questions
You may know that a yearly flu shot is one of the best ways to help protect yourself and your family from the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and the American Medical Association .1 But you may have more questions before you get your flu shot this year like when to get one and whats covered. Here are answers to some of the more common questions were hearing about flu shots.
How To Get Part D Coverage
You can get Medicare Part D coverage either through a stand-alone Part D Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage. Both stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage plans are available from private, Medicare-approved insurance companies. With a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, you will keep your Original Medicare coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan is another way to get you Part A and Part B benefits although you must continue to pay your Part B premium as well as any premium the plan may charge. Hospice benefits are still covered directly under Medicare Part A.
Would you like to know more about Medicare coverage of vaccines? Id be happy to help you. I can walk you through your options or email you information you can request that using the links below. Or take a look at plans by clicking the Compare Plans buttons on this page.
New To Medicare?
Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.
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If Im Healthy Do I Need A Flu Shot
Even if youre healthy, a yearly flu shot is recommended by the CDC and AMA. In fact, its recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Its one of the best ways to help protect yourself and your family against seasonal flu, according to the CDC.1
The flu shot has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.3
Does A Person With Medicare Get Flu Shots For Free
If a person has Medicare Part B, a Medicare Advantage plan, or private health insurance, they can get a flu shot for free.
The Affordable Care Act requires that insurance companies cover the cost of the flu shot. Plus, under the ACA, insurers cannot charge a copayment, per the Department of Health & Human Services.
A person should check with the site providing the shot to make sure they accept assignment from Medicare or accept Medicare Advantage. People with private insurance should check their plan to make sure they can get the shot from a particular location for free.
Some insurance plans cover the shot only if a person receives it from their doctor. Other plans provide coverage if the shot comes from certain other locations as well.
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Are Flu Shots Covered By My Blue Cross Plan
If you have an HMO plan, your annual flu shot is free.
For many PPO members, getting an annual flu shot also comes at no cost. Heres how you can see:
- Log in to your online account on bcbsm.com and search for immunizations or
If youre not sure which type of plan you have, your ID card will tell you.
Can I get reimbursed for a flu shot?
Reimbursements for flu shots depend on what plan you have. If you have Non-Medicare Blue Preferred PPOSM, or if you’re a BCN member, you may be eligible for a flu shot reimbursement.
Unitedhealthcare Connected Benefit Disclaimer
This is not a complete list. The benefit information is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan or read the Member Handbook. Limitations, copays and restrictions may apply. For more information, call UnitedHealthcare Connected® Member Services or read the UnitedHealthcare Connected® Member Handbook. Benefits, List of Covered Drugs, pharmacy and provider networks and/or copayments may change from time to time throughout the year and on January 1 of each year.
You can get this document for free in other formats, such as large print, braille, or audio. Call , TTY 711, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., local time, Monday – Friday . The call is free.
You can call Member Services and ask us to make a note in our system that you would like materials in Spanish, large print, braille, or audio now and in the future.
Language Line is available for all in-network providers.
Puede obtener este documento de forma gratuita en otros formatos, como letra de imprenta grande, braille o audio. Llame al , TTY 711, de 08:00 a. m. a 08:00 p. m., hora local, de lunes a viernes correo de voz disponible las 24 horas del día,/los 7 días de la semana). La llamada es gratuita.
Puede llamar a Servicios para Miembros y pedirnos que registremos en nuestro sistema que le gustaría recibir documentos en español, en letra de imprenta grande, braille o audio, ahora y en el futuro.
Los servicios Language Line están disponibles para todos los proveedores dentro de la red.
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What Is The Difference Between Flu And Covid
Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.
- COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus
- Seasonal flu is caused by an infection with one of many influenza viruses that spread among people each year
Some symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, so you may need to be tested to tell what virus is causing your illness. Its possible to be infected with both a flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 at the same time.
Use our COVID-19 testing locator to find a diagnostic testing center near you.
Medical Plan Comparison Chart
Important Notes on Referrals
United Healthcares Choice network is a national provider network. It does not require a primary care physician or referrals to see specialists. UHC does require precertification for some services. If you use an in-network provider, your participating network physician or hospital generally handles the precertification process. It is your responsibility to confirm your provider has obtained the necessary authorizations from UHC. If you see a provider who is out-of-network, you are responsible for obtaining precertification for most services except routine office visits.
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Find A Flu Shot Location Near You
If you have a UnitedHealthcare health plan, you can get a flu shot at more than 50,000 locations.
Enter your ZIP code and select a pharmacy in your area, then select Find my flu shot to see results within a 20-mile radius from the center of your ZIP code.
Please note: If you’re using a screen reader, please select Participating pharmacies, then select a pharmacy to find a location near you.
Get Your Flu Shot Today
Getting a flu shot is a simple way you can help yourself and others be healthier this flu season. If your UnitedHealthcare health plan is provided through your employer:
- Your flu shot is covered at $0 out-of-pocket1
- You can get a flu shot at more than 50,000 locations
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Will Medicare Pay For My Flu Shot
En español | Medicare Part B pays for one flu shot in each flu season, which typically runs from November through April, regardless of whether youre enrolled in the original Medicare program or in a Medicare Advantage plan.
If youre in original Medicare, the shot is free if you have it administered by a doctor or pharmacist who accepts Medicare assignment that is, has agreed to accept the Medicare-approved payment as full reimbursement for providing this service.
If youre in a Medicare Advantage plan , the shot is still free. But you may be required to have it administered by a doctor who is in the plans provider network.
Where Can I Get Vaccines I Need
You can get most vaccines at a pharmacy, doctors office, clinic or community health center. Talk with your doctor about what vaccines you may need. Your doctor or Part D plan provider can also help you understand whether your cost will be affected by where you go to get the vaccines that your doctor recommends.
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Medical Coverage If Traveling On Columbia Business Less Than Six Months
Columbia University faculty and staff traveling outside the U.S. for Columbia Travel for less than 6 months automatically have health insurance coverage through Zurich Travel Assist.
Administered in conjunction with International SOS , Zurich Travel Assist provides full coverage for illness and injury that occur while abroad. Medically-necessary services are covered at no cost if ISOS is contacted for assistance before a patient is treated.
Zurich Travel Assist health coverage is coordinated through ISOS. In the event of an emergency while traveling outside of the U.S. for Columbia Travel, call ISOS at +1-215-942-8478 or use the ISOS mobile app.
Bring More Calm And Comfort To Your Next Routine Vaccine
Do shots make you squeamish? Theres no need to be embarrassed. Plenty of people think nuh-uh when it comes to needles.
Still, routine vaccines such as your annual flu shot are one of the best ways to help you stay well and avoid serious illnesses. So instead of focusing on the pain, keep your eye on these 8 tips to help you get past the pinch and keep your cool when rolling up your sleeve.
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What’s The Best Way To Protect Yourself From The Flu
Video transcript
Its important to get the flu shot every year. The flu shot protects you against the flu virus.
It can help you prevent a hospitalization or complications of actually getting the flu.
It is very easy to find a local pharmacy or your providers office. Its offered in multiple, multiple locations.
Not only that, its also covered at 100% in most plans.
How Much Will My Flu Shot Cost
Flu shots at designated retail pharmacies and clinics are covered at 100% for most benefit plans. Check your benefit plan details or call the number on your member ID card to be sure youre covered at the flu shot location you choose. Remember to bring your member ID card when you visit network providers for your flu shot.
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The Flu Vaccine Helps Protect You And Your Family From The Flu
Millions of people get influenza every year. While it may be common, seasonal flu is a potentially serious disease. It can lead to hospitalization and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .1 Thats why its recommended to get a flu vaccine every year to help protect yourself and your family.2 The flu vaccine can help:
- Weaken or prevent the flu
- Reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent to 60 percent during seasons when the flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses1
Vaccines Covered By Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B covers three important vaccines as part of its preventive care benefits.
Covered vaccines include the following:
- Flu vaccine: Annual vaccine given in one shot before or during flu season, usually November through April
- Pneumonia vaccine: One-time vaccine given in two shots at least one year apart
- Hepatitis B vaccine: One-time vaccine given in two to four shots over one to six months for people who are medium to high risk, including people with diabetes
Part B also covers vaccines you may need if youre exposed to a harmful virus or bacteria by accident. You might need a tetanus shot, for example, if you step on a rusty nail. Or you may need rabies shots if youre bitten by a stray dog.
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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.
Unitedhealthcare Dual Complete Plans
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plans contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call TTY 711 for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.
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When Should You Get Your Flu Shot
Its generally recommended that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, according to the CDC. This is especially important because of the ongoing spread of COVID-19. The flu season can last until March or April, so you can still get the flu vaccine later. No matter when you get your flu shot, it will still be valuable to help protect you for the rest of the flu season. Talk to your provider about the best time to get your flu shot. Remember to ask about other vaccines you might need to protect yourself this year too.
Does Medicare Cover Other Vaccines
Flu shots arent the only vaccines covered by Medicare.
Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans also cover preventive vaccines such as pneumonia shots and Hepatitis B shots. Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans may also cover vaccines such as rabies shots if they are considered medically necessary by a doctor.
Specific costs, including monthly premiums, deductibles and coinsurance will vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan you enroll in.
A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area and get you enrolled in a plan that works for you.
Find Medicare Advantage plans in your area
Or call 1-800-557-6059TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
About the author
Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelors degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.
Where you’ve seen coverage of Christian’s research and reports:
Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
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Unitedhealthcare Connected For Mycare Ohio
UnitedHealthcare Connected® for MyCare Ohio is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and Ohio Medicaid to provide benefits of both programs to enrollees. If you have any problem reading or understanding this or any other UnitedHealthcare Connected® for MyCare Ohio information, please contact our Member Services at from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday for help at no cost to you.
Si tiene problemas para leer o comprender esta o cualquier otra documentación de UnitedHealthcare Connected® de MyCare Ohio , comuníquese con nuestro Departamento de Servicio al Cliente para obtener información adicional sin costo para usted al de lunes a viernes de 7 a.m. a 8 p.m. .