Flu season draws concern from more than one health insurance company

Uncertainty about the severity of the coming flu season, especially in light of the spread of H1N1, is drawing attention from more than one health insurance company, not to mention government agencies and medical professionals.

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner even announced this week that the six largest carriers in his state had decided that they will waive co-pays and deductibles for people who choose to get an H1N1 vaccination.

"Action taken by these insurers will help us prevent the spread of what is a potential flu epidemic. Now that the insurers are easing the way, I urge their members to take advantage and get immunized," said Poizner.

H1N1 has been particularly alarming because it is more contagious than the typical flu virus, and also because a number of fatalities associated with it have involved healthy adults who in the past have been considered less likely to die of such illnesses.

The Centers for Disease Control is especially urging certain groups to get vaccinated, such as pregnant women, people who live with or care for children under 6 months of age, medical personnel, and people up to age 64 with chronic health issues.

Until the scope of the coming flu season is better known, the problem will draw concern at many levels, ranging from the average health insurance company to doctors to consumers.