This bill, known as the "Protecting Free Vaccines Act of 2025," aims to ensure broad coverage for certain immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). It mandates that various health programs and plans provide coverage for these vaccines, specifically those recommended as of October 25, 2024 , through the end of 2029. For group health plans and health insurance coverage , the bill requires coverage for these ACIP-recommended immunizations without any cost-sharing requirements. This provision applies to plan years occurring during or after the bill's enactment and before January 1, 2030, including updated versions of the specified vaccines. Similarly, the Medicare program is amended to cover these vaccines until January 1, 2030, even if ACIP recommendations are later revoked, ensuring continuity of access. Under Medicaid , the legislation mandates coverage for the specified ACIP-recommended vaccines and their administration until December 31, 2029, including for pregnant individuals. It also modifies the pediatric vaccine distribution program to ensure that providers do not discontinue offering pediatric vaccines that were recommended as of October 25, 2024, even if the ACIP schedule changes. Furthermore, states cannot offer benchmark coverage that excludes these adult vaccines or imposes cost-sharing. Finally, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is required to cover these immunizations and their administration for targeted low-income children during the same period, irrespective of the state's chosen coverage type.
This bill, known as the "Protecting Free Vaccines Act of 2025," aims to ensure broad coverage for certain immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). It mandates that various health programs and plans provide coverage for these vaccines, specifically those recommended as of October 25, 2024 , through the end of 2029. For group health plans and health insurance coverage , the bill requires coverage for these ACIP-recommended immunizations without any cost-sharing requirements. This provision applies to plan years occurring during or after the bill's enactment and before January 1, 2030, including updated versions of the specified vaccines. Similarly, the Medicare program is amended to cover these vaccines until January 1, 2030, even if ACIP recommendations are later revoked, ensuring continuity of access. Under Medicaid , the legislation mandates coverage for the specified ACIP-recommended vaccines and their administration until December 31, 2029, including for pregnant individuals. It also modifies the pediatric vaccine distribution program to ensure that providers do not discontinue offering pediatric vaccines that were recommended as of October 25, 2024, even if the ACIP schedule changes. Furthermore, states cannot offer benchmark coverage that excludes these adult vaccines or imposes cost-sharing. Finally, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is required to cover these immunizations and their administration for targeted low-income children during the same period, irrespective of the state's chosen coverage type.