Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2021
- Last Action
- 7/21/2021
Actions
- 2021-07-21Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2021-07-21Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
- 2021-07-15Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
- 2021-07-15Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
- 2021-04-02Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2021-04-01Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2021-04-01Introduced in House
- 2021-04-01Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2021-04-01 (00)
Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2021
This bill modifies vaccination programs and coverage for children under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Specifically, the bill expands and otherwise modifies the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides free vaccinations to individuals 18 years of age or younger who are uninsured or underinsured (i.e., with limited or no insurance for vaccines), are eligible for Medicaid, or are American Indians or Alaskan Natives. The bill expands the program to include children enrolled in CHIP and temporarily provides for additional payments to incentivize provider participation. The Government Accountability Office must report on the related effects of the bill's changes.
The bill also expands coverage under Medicaid and CHIP to include vaccine counseling and educational services for children and temporarily requires payments to be made at a rate that is no less than the rate under Medicare for equivalent services. It also temporarily increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for states that conduct culturally appropriate outreach regarding the benefits of vaccinations for children.
Cosponsors (20)
- John Joyce (R-PA)
- G. K. Butterfield (D-NC)
- David McKinley (R-WV)
- Lauren Underwood (D-IL)
- SANFORD BISHOP (D-GA)
- Kathy Castor (D-FL)
- Ann Kuster (D-NH)
- Darren Soto (D-FL)
- Deborah Ross (D-NC)
- Joseph Morelle (D-NY)
- Nancy Mace (R-SC)
- Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
- Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)
- Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)
- BOBBY RUSH (D-IL)
- Susan Wild (D-PA)
- Thomas Suozzi (D-NY)
- Katie Porter (D-CA)
- JANICE SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL)
- Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ)
Subjects
- Child health
- Congressional oversight
- Government information and archives
- Health care costs and insurance
- Health care coverage and access
- Health information and medical records
- Immunology and vaccination
- Indian social and development programs
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Intergovernmental relations
- Medicaid
- Medical research
- Minority health
- Poverty and welfare assistance
- State and local finance
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.