Bill Protecting Kids’ Access to Vaccines Clears Assembly, Goes to Governor’s Desk
August 25, 2010
Sacramento — The Assembly today passed legislation designed to ensure that all children have access to life-saving immunizations and sent it to the governor.
Assembly Bill 2093, authored by Assemblymember Manuel Perez, D-Coachella and co-sponsored by the California Medical Association, received bipartisan support in both the Assembly and the Senate, where it passed on Tuesday.
AB 2093 requires insurers to cover physicians’ cost to administer vaccinations. The measure is crucial for safeguarding public health and improving vaccination rates. The recent outbreak of whooping cough illustrates the importance of widespread immunizations to prevent the spread of disease and protect public health.
“Every year we’re reminded of the vital role vaccinations play in averting disease and keeping the public healthy,” said Brennan Cassidy, M.D., president of CMA. “Unfortunately, when insurance companies do not cover the full cost of immunizations fewer children get vaccinated, and that’s a danger to everyone.”
California law requires health plans and insurers to provide coverage for recommended immunizations. However, most health plans and health insurance companies don’t pay physicians the entire cost to provide vaccines.
Patients looking for alternatives for out-of-pocket expenses for vaccinations are sometimes referred to local public health clinics for these services thus utilizing resources that should be preserved for the uninsured.
AB 2093 helps remove the financial obstacles that can discourage patients from getting vaccinations and physicians from offering them. Both federal and state law require insurers to cover immunizations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the California Academy of Family Physicians have joined with CMA to co-sponsor the legislation. AB 2093 is co-authored by Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego.
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The California Medical Association represents 35,000 physicians in all modes of practice and specialties. CMA is dedicated to the health of all patients in California.