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Augusta, Maine -

Dr. Dora Mills of the Maine CDC, Superintendent Mila Kofman of the Maine Bureau of Insurance, and representatives from many of Maine’s private health insurers held a press conference on Wednesday to discuss the actions being taken by Maine’s health insurance companies in response to the H1N1 pandemic.

Dr. Mills and Superintendent Kofman were joined by medical directors from Aetna and Anthem, as well as executives from CIGNA and Harvard Pilgrim to discuss the insurance companies’ coverage for H1N1 vaccination and treatment.

“We are fortunate that Maine’s insurers have voluntarily stepped up to the plate to make sure Maine children have easy access to vaccine through school clinics, and those at very high risk for complications have access to antiviral medicines,” said Dr. Mills. “With a big surge in disease, these two tools - vaccine and antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu – have been key to reducing serious illness in Maine.”

"It is important to remember that all of the actions taken by the health plans have been voluntary; none are required by law,” said Superintendent Kofman. “These actions are helping to save lives.”

Superintendent Kofman and her staff have been meeting with health insurance companies on a weekly basis to address issues as they arise with respect to the H1N1 pandemic. In recent weeks, the companies have partnered with Bureau staff to address roster billing for H1N1 vaccination clinics, reducing financial barriers to members for antiviral treatments, and, most recently, encouraging use of 24-hour nurse hotlines and Web-based information regarding flu-like symptoms.

Dr. Mills and Superintendent Kofman were joined by Dr. Joseph Agostini, M.D., medical director at Aetna; Dr. Jeff Holmstrom, D.O., medical director at Anthem; Don Curry, president of CIGNA Health Care of Maine; Ed Kane, vice president, Maine operations at Harvard Pilgrim; and Katherine Pelletreau, executive director of Maine Association of Health Plans.

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation which encourages sound ethical business practices through high quality, impartial and efficient regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine. Consumers can reach the Bureau through its web site at www.maine.gov/insurance; by calling 800-300-5000 in state; or by writing to Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333.

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Last Updated: July 26, 2011 7:55 AM