Legislature Passes WSMA Priority Legislation to Preserve Access to Preventive Services and Vaccines

Bill now heads to the governor’s desk

House Bill 2242, sponsored by Rep. Dan Bronoske (D – Lakewood), which preserves access on a covered basis to preventive services, including vaccines, was passed by the Legislature last week with bipartisan support. The legislation, which was requested jointly by Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, now heads to the governor’s desk, where it is presumed to be signed into law in the coming weeks.

This WSMA priority legislation allows the Washington State Department of Health to make recommendations on vaccines in consultation with expert organizations, including professional medical organizations and local health organizations. The law also preserves Washingtonians’ access to preventive services without cost-sharing for residents enrolled in commercial health plans who choose to utilize these services.

As leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is shaken up and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices continue to shift away from evidence-based practices, this vital legislation will ensure Washingtonians can continue to access important preventive health services, including vaccines, on a covered basis.