New Empire Plan Vaccine Benefit
A new vaccine called Gardasil,
which is designed to prevent cervical cancer and other conditions caused by the
human papillomavirus (HPV), is now a covered benefit under the Empire Plan. The
effective date of coverage is June 29, 2006, which is the date Gardasil was
endorsed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
As recommended by the manufacturer
of Gardasil and the ACIP, the Empire Plan will provide benefits for the vaccine
for girls and young women ages 9 to 26. Dependent females up to the age of 19
will be eligible to receive the HPV vaccine under the terms of the pediatric
immunization program, and eligible females ages 19 to 26 will receive coverage
under the adult immunization program. Under the adult immunization program, the
vaccine must be administered by a participating provider for it to be a covered
benefit.
The state Insurance Department now
requires all health plans to offer coverage for immunizations for dependent
children to age 19 recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices, so HMO enrollees will have a similar benefit. HMO enrollees should
contact the Member Services department of their HMO for more information.