Bill > HB1115

This bill establishes a Universal Immunization Funding Program in Hawaii designed to help health care providers access immunizations at reduced costs. The program creates a special fund in the state treasury, funded by assessments on health insurance carriers and other health care entities, which will be used to purchase immunizations for individuals not eligible for other free immunization programs. Under the program, the Department of Health will calculate assessment rates based on estimated immunization costs for children and adults, including administrative expenses and a reserve fund. Health carriers and other assessed entities will be required to report their covered lives and pay a monthly per-person assessment into the fund. The bill defines various terms related to immunizations, health carriers, and covered populations, and establishes reporting and compliance requirements, with potential fines for non-compliance. Providers will receive immunizations at no cost, and the program aims to ensure quick immunization supply during emergencies or shortages. The legislation is modeled after similar "Universal Purchase" programs in fourteen other states and is intended to lower health care providers' administrative costs while improving public health immunization access.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1115&year=2025