HR 5448119th CongressIn Committee

Protecting Free Vaccines Act

Introduced: Sep 18, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6] (D-New Jersey)

Healthcare

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Protecting Free Vaccines Act requires health insurance plans and government health programs to cover certain vaccines without cost-sharing through December 31, 2029. Specifically, the bill mandates coverage of vaccines that were recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as of October 25, 2024, even if those recommendations are later changed or revoked. This "freezes" vaccine coverage requirements based on the recommendations in effect on that specific date, ensuring continued access to vaccines that may subsequently lose their ACIP recommendation. The bill applies broadly across private insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Key Points

1Requires all group health plans and individual health insurance to cover ACIP-recommended vaccines (as of October 25, 2024) without deductibles, copays, or other cost-sharing through 2029
2Extends Medicare Part D coverage to include vaccines that had ACIP recommendations as of October 25, 2024, even if those recommendations are later revoked
3Mandates Medicaid coverage of vaccines recommended by ACIP as of October 25, 2024, including coverage for pregnant individuals and pediatric vaccines
4Requires CHIP programs to cover vaccines that were ACIP-recommended as of October 25, 2024, regardless of subsequent recommendation changes
5Includes coverage for vaccines updated or changed after October 25, 2024, under supplemental biologics license applications approved by the FDA

Impact Areas

Insured individuals: Guaranteed continued access to vaccines without out-of-pocket costs, even if medical guidance changesMedicare and Medicaid beneficiaries: Protected vaccine access for seniors, low-income individuals, children, and pregnant womenHealth insurance plans and government programs: Required to maintain coverage of specific vaccines regardless of evolving medical recommendationsHealthcare providers: Clarity on which vaccines must be administered without cost-sharing requirementsPublic health policy: Creates temporary stability in vaccine coverage during a period of potential policy changes (2025-2029)

Generated by claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929 on Oct 2, 2025