Health

Lifelines Online (Vol. VII, No. 10)

Free Flu Shots

Flu shots will be available as a covered prescription benefit at Costco, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Kmart, Publix, Safeway, Carrs, Dominicks, Thom Thump, Vons/Pavillions, Randalls Food and Drug and Genuardi’s. The cost, up to $30 per shot, will be covered.

In addition, the shot will be covered if received at a doctor’s office; however, the doctor may charge an office visit co-pay (which will be the member’s responsibility).

There is a new shot this year called “high dose.” The FDA has approved the use of this shot for persons older than 65. However, there have been no studies done as to whether or not the high dose actually increases effectiveness. The studies won’t be available until 2012. Presumably, the FDA approved it because increasing the dose of inactivated viruses poses no risk to the recipient and may increase effectiveness. However, the cost of these shots is, in most cases, more than $30. If a member chooses to receive a dose shot, he/she will be responsible for any amount over $30.

Also, most pharmacies will not administer a flu shot to a person under the age of 18. The shot for these recipients will need to be received at a doctor’s office or clinic and will be subject to the limits imposed on well child care as stated on page 1 of the SPD.

Free Health Assessment

Medical Mutual is offering a free health assessment.
To start your assessment, log onto www.MedMutual.com, register and log onto My Health Plan. This will link you to WebMD for your health assessment.

Local 860 offers mini-health checks at many of our outings. Make sure you get your mini-health check at our next event – Cedar Point Amusement Park.