CONTACT: Seth Boffeli, Communications Director, (608) 266-5862

PROVIDER NETWORK AVAILABLE FOR UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS SEEKING HEALTH CARE FOR INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS

MADISON - The Department of Health Services announced health care is available for uninsured Wisconsin residents who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms. Uninsured individuals can receive an outpatient visit for evaluation and treatment at no cost with the use of an established provider network.

"To protect the health of all Wisconsin residents, the Department has partnered with health care providers to help uninsured people get treatment if they're experiencing flu-like symptoms," said Secretary Karen Timberlake. "Because this illness has the potential to become very serious for individuals at-risk for complications from influenza, we want people to have the ability to get the health care they need."

Uninsured individuals experiencing influenza-like symptoms wishing to receive a visit for flu-related care can call 2-1-1 or their local public health agency to locate a provider within the network. The purpose of the network is to serve uninsured individuals in need of treatment for influenza. Non-flu related services provided during the visit and follow-up visits are not covered and payment for non-flu related services will remain the individual's responsibility.

Individuals should be sure to call ahead before going to a provider in the network as appointments may be necessary. Visits to hospital emergency departments should be reserved for people needing emergency care only.

This provider network has been established for uninsured individuals only. People who have health insurance should contact their regular health care provider if they need care.

"We have found that not everyone needs to receive health care for the H1N1 virus, but for persons who are at high-risk of complications from influenza, early diagnosis and treatment of this virus is especially important no matter what a person's insurance status may be," said Dr. Seth Foldy, State Health Officer.

Persons at high-risk for complications from influenza should call a health care provider if they have a fever combined with cough, sore throat, headache or body aches. The risk of hospitalization or death among infected persons is higher in young children, persons over 65, pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with other chronic illnesses.

For information about H1N1 influenza, visit, http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/

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Last Revised:  November 17, 2009