Effective July 1, 2014: The Putnam County Health Department is changing its childhood immunization process so it can bill private insurance for vaccines. Due to changes made at the state level, the local health department is now purchasing vaccines from private manufacturers that were previously provided at no charge from the state. In the past, the health department could use vaccines provided by the state for clients regardless of their insurance status, but that is changing.
Putnam County Health Department continues to be a Vaccines for Children provider which is a federally funded program to cover vaccines for children on Medicaid, uninsured, have insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines, American Indian, or Alaskan Native. We are also a provider and can bill for immunizations with Aetna, Anthem, Front Path, Medical Mutual, NGS Core Source, Ohio Health Choice/ Ohio PPO Connect, and United HealthCare. Clients covered by these insurances must bring a copy of their insurance card to the appointment. Clients with other insurance coverage will be required to pay for immunizations at the time of service. They will receive a receipt form to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement. Putnam County Health Department accepts payments in the form on cash, money order, and check. A credit card/debit card machine will soon be available to use Discover, Mastercard, and Visa (processing fee applies).
“It is very important for children and adults to receive vaccines in order to be safe and healthy. Providing this service at a reasonable rate so everyone has access to needed immunizations continues to be a priority,” states Dr. Mary Ann Myers, Health Commissioner.
Vaccines are available by appointment every Tuesday, 9 – 11:30 AM and 1 – 4 PM with extended hours on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays until 6:00 PM. Appointments are also available every 4th Wednesday, 9:30 – 11:45 AM. Appointments on other days of the week must be made individually with a nurse at the health department. To make an appointment or for more details, call 419-523-5608 or visit www.putnamhealth.com.
