H1N1 Flu Resource Page
In 2010 the World Health Organization declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the first global pandemic in more than 40 years. The H1N1 pandemic resulted in substantial illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. This resource page includes information to help Texans prepare for pandemic flu.
Recent information:
Voluntary non-safety-related recall of H1N1 vaccine
Beware of fraudulent e-mails regarding a CDC-sponsored state vaccination program
FEMA Fact Sheet concerning health care system disaster plans
Following An Infection - Flu Travels
Medicare´s Coverage of the H1N1 Flu Vaccine
Texas Department of Insurance Influenza Vaccine Survey Results (find out which companies are covering the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines)
Guidance for Businesses and Employers To Plan and Respond to the Flu Season
H1N1 Flu School Guidance
Guidance for individuals, businesses, and academic institutions
Industry Pandemic Preparedness
TDI surveyed 300 insurers, health maintenance organizations, guaranty associations, special deputy receivers, workers' compensation networks, and surplus lines carriers regarding their pandemic preparedness. Insurance industry responses reflected the CDC's guidance for businesses and industry best practices. Their pandemic preparedness plans include:
- teleworking; working remotely
- business continuity efforts to reroute functions to assist policyholders
- cross training to cover for absent employees
- social distancing; suspend group meetings and gatherings
- enhanced information on website
- contracts with out-of-area vendors
- expanded use of cell phones and smart phones to conduct business
- 24-hour nurse hot line that plan members can access
- emergency notification system to provide critical information to employees at home and work
- assuring that staff have taken flu vaccines and offering on-site flu vaccine programs where feasible
- generous sick pay program that provides financial support for flu-stricken employees to stay home
- cancel or postpone travel; limited travel of employees to geographic areas where an enhanced exposure to the flu exists
- increased facility sanitation protocols
- increased employee education and health awareness programs
- disaster drills to prepare for an event
Health Coverage
It's always important to understand your health care coverage. Take a few minutes and answer these questions:
- Does your health plan have a preauthorization requirement for hospital admission or other services?
- What is your copayment for the most common H1N1 treatments? The two drugs doctors can prescribe to treat H1N1 flu are Tamiflu and Relenza. Also find out if there are any coverage limitations that apply to the distribution of the medication. Some plans will restrict coverage on the number of doses per prescription or per year.
- What is your out-of-network copayment? If you travel, you may not be able to see your regular physician in a timely manner. If you have to go out-of-network, be aware you may have higher out-of-pocket costs for your office visit and possibly any medical tests performed during the visit. If you need emergency treatment, your plan's emergency benefits should apply. Make sure you know how your plans defines an emergency.
Get prepared for any eventuality with the following checklist:
- Have your health coverage I.D. card handy.
- Review your health plan's provisions. Know which doctors and hospitals are in your network.
- Make note of your copayments. Know how much a doctor's office visit will cost. Check to see if your co-payments go up if you go out-of-network.
- Find the list of pharmacies covered by your health plan.
- If you are going to travel, make sure you check to see if there are any doctors or medical facilities in-network where you will be visiting.
- Make sure you have contact information for your health insurance company or health maintenance organization available in case you have questions.
CDC H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): General Information
Flu Symptoms
How to Prevent the Flu
How to Care for the Ill
Antiviral Drugs and the Flu
Use of Face Masks and Respirators
Travel Insurance
The CDC recommends that people at high risk of complications from any type of flu talk with their doctor before traveling. Healthy people should make travel plans as normal and take common-sense precautions to protect their health.
The following people are considered at high risk of complications from the flu:
- Children younger than 5 years of age
- Persons aged 65 years or older
- Children and adolescents (younger than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye's syndrome after influenza virus infection
- Pregnant women
- Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematologic, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders
- Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV).
Travel insurance policy language is typically specific and may not cover epidemic or pandemic situations. Review your policy and check with the insurance company that issued the policy to see if you are covered.
Policies that allow “cancellation for any reason” offer the most flexibility when cancelling or changing plans. “Cancel for any reason” coverage provides a full refund as long as reservations are cancelled before the scheduled time of departure.
If you were planning a cruise, be aware that cruise and tour operators might offer “cancellation waivers.” Read the restrictions of the cancellation waiver carefully to know your options.
Major types of travel insurance are:
- Trip cancellation. Reimburses you for pre-paid travel expenses if you are not able to take your trip because you become ill or because a family member becomes ill or dies.
- Travel delay. Reimburses you for pre-paid expenses if you are not able to take your trip because of a travel delay, such as a flight delay or cancellation.
- Trip Interruption. Reimburses you for pre-paid expenses if your trip is cut short because you become ill, because a family member becomes ill or dies, or because of any other misfortune listed in your policy. Covered reasons might include bad weather, airline strikes, terrorism, bankruptcy, jury duty, or damage to your home from a fire or flood.
If you are planning to travel outside the United States and are worried about getting sick while away from home, be aware that American health insurance is generally not accepted outside of the United States. To find out more about the extent of your coverage, speak with your insurance agent or company before leaving home. Texas residents may call TDI's Consumer Help Line at 1-800-252-3439. Residents of other states should contact their state's department of insurance. A link to state insurance department web site and contact details can be found at www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm.
Business Interruption Insurance
Business owners might be concerned about having to shut down their operations because of an outbreak or absenteeism. Check your business interruption policy to see what events will trigger coverage. Coverage generally requires the interruption to be caused by physical damage or loss (such as fire or weather).
Business interruption policies generally will not be triggered by epidemic or pandemic warnings or alerts from public officials. Business owners will need to rely on existing risk management and business continuity plans to mitigate losses due to emerging public health crises.
Also read TDI's Business Interruption Coverage publication (PDF).
Helpful Resources
Disaster Preparedness Planning
- TDI's Disasters (Terrorism, Nuclear, Chemical, Technological, and Disease Pandemic) Resource PageDisaster Preparedness Tips for Homeowners and Renters from the National Association of Insurance Commissioner
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: H1N1 page
- H1N1 Flu page
- H1N1 Flu Clinical and Public Health Guidance for patients, parents, schools, businesses and other specific groups
- International Flu Updates
- Pandemic Alert Level
- Flu FAQs
- www.Flu.gov
TexasFlu.org (Texas Department of State Health Services)
Texas Division of Emergency Management Situation Reports
For more information contact:
Last updated: 05/08/2012
