TO CONDUCT THIRD-PARTY BILLING FOR IMMUNIZATION

Policy The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) supports increases in federal funding for policy and technical support to enable state and local health departments (LHDs) to bill private insurers for immunization services. A successful third-party billing program can provide (1) more comprehensive/universal dispersal of recommended childhood vaccination; (2) increased funding for programs targeting vulnerable populations; (3) a reduced burden for primary care providers not equipped to administer widespread immunization; and (4) improved access to covered immunizations. NACCHO supports federal funding for activities necessary for state and local health departments to establish third-party billing systems including the following: Assessment for purchasing or developing systems that will be cost-effective according to the particular needs of the jurisdiction; Training or peer technical assistance for LHDs to maximize the utility of such systems; Coalition building: Engaging medical communities in order to navigate potential concerns (i.e., competition with the medical home) and build support; Training or peer technical assistance on the process of contracting with private insurance providers; an