Conducting 317 Eligibility Screening
Screening requirements apply to all VFA and LHD 317 providers. Eligibility is self-reported, and verification may be obtained verbally from the patient.
Screening Process
Providers agree to screen patients for 317 eligibility to ensure all eligible adults have access to no-cost vaccines. If this step is skipped, recipients could be billed for vaccines and higher administration fees or denied vaccinations if they can’t afford to pay.
1. Screen for 317 Eligibility at Every Patient Visit
Changes might impact eligibility. If this step is skipped, recipients could pay more out of pocket for immunizations. To assist, see 317 Patient Eligibility Screening Record (PDF) and 317 Screening Record in Spanish (PDF).
2. Determine Which Eligibility Criterion Is Met
Eligible for all VFA or LHD 317 vaccines if patient is at least 19 years of age and
- Uninsured or
- Underinsured (health insurance doesn’t cover vaccines; doesn’t cover all ACIP-recommended vaccines; covers vaccines but with a fixed dollar limit; does not provide first-dollar coverage, including copays, coinsurance, or deductibles)
Eligible for certain VFA or LHD 317 vaccines if patient is at least 19 years of age and
- Has Medicare Part B but not Part D
Eligible for Hep A, HPV, MenACWY, MMR, Polio (IPV), RSV, Tdap, Varicella & Zoster - Has Medicare Part D but not Part B
Eligible for COVID-19, Hep B & PCV20/PCV21
3. Document 317 Eligibility
Document eligibility in recipient’s permanent medical record, including
- Date of screening,
- Whether patient is 317-eligible (Y/N), and
- 317 eligibility criterion (or criteria) that is met (if any).
Reminder: By California law, providers must report doses administered (including eligibility and funding source) to a local immunization registry (CAIR or CAIR/Healthy Futures) for both private and publicly supplied vaccines. Save all program-related documentation for three years.
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