Whether you are an employer, employee or entrepreneur, make a resolution to have a healthy and productive work environment in 2010. We must all do our part to stay healthy and protect those around us. For employers, I recommend viewing this presentation put together by Anthem Blue Cross. CLICK HERE
You can also go directly to the Health Department site and plan a presentation. PLAN
You can help your employees get off to a healthy start by taking a few minutes to view our new H1N1 web presentation. It’s designed to help you learn more about the illness so you can arm your workplace with valuable tools for prevention and be better protected if an outbreak occurs.
You may not use Anthem Blue Cross as your health carrier; that’s ok. Maybe you have an individual plan with Health Net or a Group plan with Blue Shield, UHC or Aetna; this presentation is available to everyone. My other suggestion is, just go to your current insurance carrier’s website and they will most likely have similar information for you.
For employees and entrepreneurs, I recommend click through the Anthem link provided where you will find a great Q & A and also a link to the US Department of Health and Human Resources. GOV
Individuals whether employed, self employed or unemployed, the best protection against the H1N1 virus is to get vaccinated. Of course, you should check with your doctor first to make sure the vaccine is right for you.
For my clients with Anthem, you can go to a Healthy Check Center where they have the H1N1 available and get one there as part of a $25 screening or free in most cases without the screening, they just need to code it correctly. For my clients and/or those of you with other carriers, you may just prefer a local clinic or pharmacy. Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock, and in most cases, you can submit the claim to your health insurance company for reimbursement. Remember, be a smart consumer and make the call to your health insurance agent or insurance carrier first to find out what arrangements they have made for their members.
This year, my wife and I got both shots. During my annual physical, I was given the H1N1 at no charge (I believe the government pays for the shot – it’s the administration costs that you pay for if charged in most cases). My wife’s company made arrangements for their employees (larger company). My regular Flu shot I paid I believe $35 at Walgreens, maybe it was $25. No matter the cost, it is a great investment as I am more successful healthy than sick; aren’t you?
This brings me to my last point. The regular Flu shot you will usually pay for however, they are offered at a nominal fee or sometimes free depending upon where you go. I got both shots, but I asked my doctor and read up on it first, so I would always recommend anyone to do the same. I am not a physician and do not give advice, but hopefully the links and information provided can get you started towards healthier 2010.
Best Regards,
John