Immunizations

Protection against infectious diseases

For children, adolescents, and adults alike, immunizations are the best way to protect against infectious diseases. Thanks to vaccines, many infectious diseases that were once common in this country are now under control.

Holding off on immunizations because you’re worried about side effects? Don’t — in most cases, vaccines cause no side effects or only mild reactions such as fever or soreness at the injection site. Very rarely, people experience more serious side effects, like allergic reactions. And severe reactions to vaccines occur so rarely that the risk is usually difficult to calculate. Public health officials do not release vaccines unless the preventive benefits of the vaccine far outweigh any potential risks.

Immunization schedules

Keep track of which immunizations you and your family members should receive and when:

• Immunization schedules from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — for children, adolescents, and adults

Seasonal flu coverage and benefits

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and well-being is to get an annual flu shot. Each year thousands of people are hospitalized because of complications from the flu. That’s why we encourage all our members to get their yearly flu vaccination.

Most Independence Blue Cross members with prescription drug coverage will pay $0 for a flu shot at an in-network pharmacy or provider.¹ Members will not need a referral, precertification, or preapproval to get their seasonal flu vaccine.

Whether in or outside of our service area, members should be able to receive a flu shot from in-network providers without having to pay upfront or submit a form for reimbursement.

Please note: For members who have 100 percent coverage for services in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, no cost-share (i.e., copayments, deductibles, coinsurance) should be applied for the vaccine and administration of the vaccine when it is administered by an in-network provider.

Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plan. Individual benefits must be verified.

Vaccine reimbursement

You do not need to pay an up-front fee when you get your flu vaccine at a participating location or wellness event, such as those offered by employers for their employees. Log into ibx.com to find an in-network pharmacy or provider near you.

If you get your flu vaccine from a non-participating provider, you may have to pay an up-front fee. Independence Blue Cross members with HMO, POS, and PPO plans who receive their vaccine at a non-participating provider may file a reimbursement form to receive reimbursement for their out-of-pocket amount of up to $50 per member per vaccine. Medicare Advantage members should visit ibx.com/medicare for more information.

To receive your reimbursement, complete the form below and mail it, along with a copy of your receipt, to:

Claims Receipt Center
P.O. Box 211184
Eagan, MN 55121

Seasonal Influenza Reimbursement Form