House Bill 1828 Introduced to Safeguard Vaccine Access in Pennsylvania

A new legislative effort is underway to ensure Pennsylvanians continue to have access to essential vaccines—regardless of changes in federal guidelines. House Bill 1828, recently introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, aims to require both private insurers and Medicaid to cover FDA-approved vaccines recommended by leading medical societies representing pediatricians, OB/GYNs, internists, and primary care physicians. Crucially, this coverage would come without cost-sharing, removing financial barriers to immunization.

The bill is a proactive response to potential shifts in federal advisory recommendations that could jeopardize coverage for scientifically validated vaccines. By anchoring coverage to recommendations from professional medical organizations, the legislation promotes continuity of care and reinforces public health protections across the Commonwealth.

 PAMED strongly supports House Bill 1828 and commends its sponsors for prioritizing the health and safety of our communities. As physicians, we understand the critical role immunizations play in preventing disease and safeguarding vulnerable populations. PAMED will continue to advocate for policies that uphold access to evidence-based care for all Pennsylvanians.