CDSS has issues recommendations and instructions regarding the process for verifying immunizations for children under age 6 who receive CalWORKs. CDSS states that clients have a responsibility to provide verification of immunization of children under age 6 and counties must first ask client to provide verification of immunization. If a client does not have the verification, CDSS strongly recommends that counties use the California Immunization Registry 2 to search for verification before asking the client to get the needed documents. If the client is unable to provide the requested verification after a good faith effort, the county is required to assist in getting the needed verification.
Applicants under age six or children under age six being added to the household must provide verification of immunization within 30 days of being found eligible for Medi-Cal or within 45 days if already receiving Medi-Cal. Counties must provide clients with the CW 2209 form to claim good cause.
The immunization penalty must be removed when all children in the Assistance Unit have reached age six. Removal of the penalty must be done manually because it is not automated in the consortia computer systems. The penalty continues if there is a child under age six in the Assistance Unit who has not been immunized and does not meet one of the exemption or good cause criteria.
CDSS issued a new CW 101 informing notice about the immunization requirement. The form notice is now required. Counties or computer consortia cannot change the form without CDSS’ approval. (ACL 17-87, September 7, 2017.)