How to Fight the Flu This Season — and Win

It’s that time of year again. Flu season begins in the fall and most often ends in the spring. But don’t worry. There are things you can do to stay healthy.

Getting a flu shot every year is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family. And this year, the flu shot will protect you and your family against Swine Flu (H1N1) as well.

The good news: All it takes is one shot — unless you’re younger than nine years old. Children in this age group may need two shots. The bottom-line: Talk with your child’s doctor to see what is needed and take action today. We make it easy to get your flu shot. You can visit:

Your Doctor

Call today! When you schedule an appointment only to get your flu shot, you won’t have a copayment, deductible or coinsurance.

A Network Pharmacy

Flu shots are free for the following members when given at a network pharmacy — just be sure to show your member ID card.*

• Commercial HMO, PPO and EPO members with a full pharmacy benefit.
• Medicare members with Part D and Part B benefits with EmblemHealth.

*There may be some exclusions. Please check your Certificate of Coverage to be sure you are covered for the flu vaccine.

Medicare members with Part D benefits through EmblemHealth, but no Part B, cannot get the flu vaccine at a network pharmacy. Those members should contact their Part B carrier for coverage information.

To find a location nearby, sign on to (or register for) myEmblemHealth and click on the “Pharmacy Tools” link on the left side of the page. You can also call Express Scripts at 1-877-866-5798.

An EmblemHealth Physician Group Practice

Visit one of our Physician Group Practices in Queens, Long Island, Manhattan or Staten Island. When you visit during Open Access Week, your flu shot is free. Open Access dates for all members are outlined below:

• October 21-27, 2012: Queens Long Island Medical Group, Manhattan Physicians Group, Staten Island Physician Practice

If you can’t get a flu shot at one of the locations listed above, just mail your bill to the address on the back of your member ID card.

In and Out of Network

You’re also covered for a seasonal flu shot given by in-network or out-of-network providers (except for Medicaid or Child Health Plus member under the age of 19). Make a doctor’s appointment exclusively to get your flu shot, and there’s no copayment, deductible or coinsurance. Note: When you visit for any other reason and also get a flu shot, the applicable copayment, deductible and coinsurance apply. Medicaid and Child Health Plus members under the age of 19 must see their doctor to get a free flu shot and are not covered for a free flu shot at any other location.

Ready to get your flu shot? To locate a Physician Group Practice near you, learn more about Open Access Week or find out about coverage, call our Flu Information Line at 1-877-859-9001.