Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri to Offer Brand-Name Influenza Medications at More Affordable Cost During Flu Season.

ST. LOUIS -- In response to initial reports about the flu vaccine shortage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri (BCBSMo) will cover Relenza(R) and Tamiflu(R), two brand-name prescription drugs used to treat the influenza virus, at a reduced copayment amount from December 1, 2004, through May 31, 2005. In addition, BCBSMo continues to cover for members two lower cost generic flu medications, Amantadine and Rimantadine.

As a result of the 2004-2005 flu vaccine shortage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend that only priority groups receive the inactivated influenza vaccine. In areas where vaccine supply is sufficient to meet demand, this includes high-risk groups, household contacts of persons in high-risk groups, adults age 50-64 and out-of-home caregivers.

Although more vaccine may be available than originally reported, some areas may still not receive an adequate supply and people who usually get a shot in the fall may no longer plan on getting a vaccine even if available. For individuals not among the priority groups, the CDC recommends the use of antiviral medications like Amantadine, Rimantadine, Relenza and Tamiflu as an alternative method for limiting the spread and impact of the flu.

"We want to make available other treatment options for staying healthy during the flu season," says Angela Braly, president and CEO at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri. "Offering Relenza and Tamiflu at a lower cost provides members with more affordable access to flu medications."

BCBSMo will reduce the copayment for a prescription of Relenza and Tamiflu from the members' highest copay level to the members' lower middle copay. In addition, BCBSMo continues to cover two lower cost generic flu medications, Amantadine and Rimantadine, which are available at the members' lowest copay amount.

"Patients must remember to begin taking antiviral medications within 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms for the treatment to be effective," adds John Seidenfeld, M.D., vice president and medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri. "In addition, older adults and anyone with an immune-impaired system should consult their physicians about taking antiviral medications for an extended period of time to prevent the flu."

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri serves more than 1.1 million medical members and is the oldest and largest health benefits company in Missouri. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri is an operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., the nation's largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company serving the health care needs of approximately 28 million medical members nationally. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri is independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and can be found on the web at www.bcbsmo.com

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri is the name RightCHOICE Managed Care Inc. (RIT) uses to do business in most of Missouri. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by Healthy Alliance Life Insurance Company (HALIC) and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. HMO Missouri, Inc. does business as BlueCHOICE. RightCHOICE and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. RightCHOICE, HMO Missouri, Inc. and HALIC are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.