Protecting Free Vaccines Act
House Bill Would Keep CDC-Recommended Vaccines Free Under Most Health Plans Through 2029
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Requires most private health plans to cover certain CDC-recommended vaccines with no copays or deductibles through 2029.
- Sets the “covered for free” vaccine list based on what was recommended as of Oct. 25, 2024, even if later recommendations change.
- Applies to Medicare, Medicaid, and the children’s health insurance program, including vaccine shots and the cost to give them.
- Limits coverage when a shot is given too soon compared with the minimum recommended time between doses.
- Goal is to keep vaccine costs from suddenly shifting to patients if federal recommendations are withdrawn or changed.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
Colorado aims to protect vaccine access as Trump administration casts doubt on safety
The report details how Democratic lawmakers are pushing the Protecting Free Vaccines Act in response to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s overhaul of vaccine advisory panels and changes to federal immunization guidance, aiming to codify no-cost access to established vaccines.
California Governor signs “Corporate Practice of Medicine” bills into law
The briefing notes the introduction of the Protecting Free Vaccines Act by Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Frank Pallone, which would require Medicare, Medicaid, and private group health plans to cover immunizations recommended by the ACIP prior to October 2024.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Protecting Free Vaccines Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(72)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.