Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross has followed the lead of several other insurers in announcing that it too will offer coverage for the administration costs of the H1N1 (swine flue) vaccine, when available.

The insurer added in a statement that it will continue to cover seasonal flu vaccine as well.

IBC covers nearly 3.3 million people in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Steven Udvarhelyi, senior vice president and chief medical officer for IBC, said in a statement that the insurer wants “our members and customers to be prepared with everything they need to know about H1N1 and seasonal flu to keep their families and employees healthy.”

Udvarhelyi added that the insurer is monitoring the spread of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu, “and will continue to follow the precautions and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and federal, state, and local governments.”

The company said it based its decision to cover H1N1 vaccinations based on formal recommendations announced by the CDC, which also outlined first priority groups for the shots, including pregnant women, health care and emergency service personnel, and people from age 6 months to 24 years.

IBC joins WellPoint, CIGNA, Aetna and fellow Pennsylvania insurer Highmark of Pittsburgh, Pa., in covering the vaccine administration. IBC said the coverage applies to members whose medical benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines and to vaccinations administered by eligible providers.

For more information on how the insurance industry is handling H1N1, see the October issue of Insurance & Financial Advisor.