Maine Insurance Superintendent Mila Kofman says four insurance companies in Maine have voluntarily agreed to cover swine flu vaccinations for their policyholders. The companies are Anthem, Aetna, CIGNA and Harvard Pilgrim.
Kofman says insurers normally require full federal approval for a vaccine before authorizing coverage, but the four companies are making an exception for the H1N1 vaccine.
In a statement, Kofman says she's pleased that the companies have voluntarily agreed to offer the coverage, considering the potential for a widespread outbreak of the disease.
"When an emergency situation is possible, our insurers step up to the plate and go beyond what is required by law," she says. "These insurance companies deserve recognition for this significant decision---one with the potential to significantly reduce the spread of this strain of flu and possibly save lives."
Kofman says the Bureau of Insurance has also implemented a temporary emergency rule to ensure that all companies offering health insurance policies in Maine are prepared to deal with public health emergencies.
Kofman says a public process is underway to establish a permanent rule.