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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 27, 2017 08:45 AM |
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| From: | Representative Maria P. Donatucci |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Insurance Coverage for Immunizations Administered by Pharmacists |
| In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation – former House Bill 822 of the 2015-16 Legislative Session – that would require coverage for immunizations administered at a pharmacy by a pharmacist. In 2002, the General Assembly amended the Pharmacy Act of 1961 to allow pharmacists to administer medications, biologicals and immunizations. The 2009 widespread outbreak of the H1N1 virus saw pharmacists on the frontlines providing vaccinations to a multitude of at-risk individuals including the elderly and children. This option provides both convenience and accessibility to consumers, as pharmacists can play an important role in disease prevention by administering vaccines for infections like influenza, pneumococcal disease and hepatitis B. However, it can be more costly to the consumer because, under current Pennsylvania law, health insurers are not required to cover immunizations administered by pharmacists. My bill amends the Act of May 17, 1921 (P.L. 682, No. 284), otherwise known as the Insurance Company Act of 1921, to require insurers to provide coverage for immunizations administered at a pharmacy by a pharmacist. By extending insurance coverage for vaccinations administered by pharmacists, we can guarantee continued convenience and accessibility to consumers, while ensuring a cost-effective option. Please consider joining me in sponsoring this important legislation. Previous co-sponsors: DONATUCCI, KINSEY, DRISCOLL, YOUNGBLOOD, DAVIS, BROWNLEE, McNEILL, THOMAS, SCHREIBER, ROZZI, BOBACK, MURT, D. COSTA and COHEN |
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Introduced as HB665