Bill > HB1802

This bill amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 to mandate that health insurance policies in Pennsylvania provide coverage for COVID-19 vaccines without any cost-sharing, which means enrollees would not have to pay deductibles, copayments, or other out-of-pocket expenses for these vaccines. The bill defines key terms such as "COVID-19" (the disease first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019), "COVID-19 vaccine" (a vaccine approved by the FDA for preventing the disease), and "health insurance policy" (which specifically excludes various specialized types of insurance like dental, vision, and workers' compensation policies). The legislation applies to both private health insurance policies and government programs like medical assistance and children's health insurance. The bill ensures that existing health insurance policies cannot reduce or eliminate COVID-19 vaccine coverage during the transition period, and it will be implemented in stages: for policies requiring rate or form filings, it applies to new filings, and for other policies, it applies to those issued or renewed 180 days after the effective date. The act takes effect immediately, demonstrating the state's commitment to ensuring broad access to COVID-19 vaccination without financial barriers.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1802