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If you are a ConnectiCare VIP Medicare Member, go here for details about your plan.
We know you're concerned about protecting yourself and your family from the seasonal flu. As your health plan, ConnectiCare is committed to helping you understand what you can do to keep everyone healthy.
Prevention: What You Can Do
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are many simple ways to keep yourself and the people around you from getting the flu:
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. See below for information on what ConnectiCare will cover and where to get your vaccine.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. This is especially important after you cough, sneeze or shake hands. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread easily this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school. Also limit contact with others to avoid giving them the flu.
• Do not share personal items, such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.
If you or a family member shows signs of the flu, get in touch with your doctor right away for advice on what to do.
Access to Care: Vaccines for Influenza (Flu)
The flu vaccine will be available by September. Talk to your doctor about whether the flu vaccine is right for you and your family. If getting the flu vaccine is appropriate, get it as soon as you can.
Does my health plan cover the flu vaccine?
We cover flu vaccines given at a doctor’s office, community flu clinic, or retail pharmacies offering the flu vaccine.
For most members there is no copayment, coinsurance or deductible applied when the only reason for your visit to the doctor’s office is to get your flu shot or nasal spray vaccine. If you see your doctor for other reasons and also get the flu vaccine, any applicable copayment, coinsurance and deductible will apply. Please check your plan documents to determine if flu vaccines are subject to a deductible and/or coinsurance.
If you get your flu vaccine from a provider who does not participate in the ConnectiCare network, the provider may require you to pay for the flu vaccine. If this happens, you will need to send us a copy of your receipt along with a completed Out-Of-Plan Reimbursement form. You can obtain the form by going to www.connecticare.com/members/globalFiles/forms/cc0027.pdf or calling Member Services at 1-800-251-7722 (TDD/TTY 1-800-833-8134) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. If the provider bills for any balance, it will be your responsibility.
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
Contact your health care provider, go to any flu clinic, or retail pharmacy offering the flu vaccine. Remember to bring your member ID card with you when you go for your flu vaccine.
For more information on where to get the vaccine:
• Call Member Services toll-free at 1-800-251-7722 (TDD/TTY 1-800-833-8134)
• Visit our website at www.connecticare.com
