CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Frank Pallone (D-NJ)

Protecting Free Vaccines Act

H.R. 5448 · House bill Health

A Democratic bill with 85 Democratic cosponsors · See all 85 cosponsors

Last activity — 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.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

The "Protecting Free Vaccines Act" aims to ensure coverage for specific immunizations. It requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover certain vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This mandate applies to immunizations that had a recommendation in effect as of October 25, 2024. The bill also directs coverage requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program through the end of 2029. These provisions include updated or changed vaccines approved by the FDA.

Yes· 3 of 12

  • Scored +5

    Would children be better off under this?

    The bill ensures children in the CHIP and Medicaid programs have guaranteed coverage for recommended vaccines through 2029.

  • Scored +5

    Does this make health care easier to get in general?

    The bill increases access to essential immunizations by prohibiting cost-sharing for various health plans and public programs.

  • Scored +4

    Would households on low incomes be better off under this?

    Low-income households benefit from expanded vaccine coverage through Medicaid and CHIP without cost-sharing requirements.

The opposite

  • Scored -1

    Does this reduce what the federal government spends?

    The mandate for vaccine coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP may increase federal expenditures through the end of 2029.