Providers and insurers oppose bill to abolish New Hampshire Vaccine Association; sponsors say federal rules could replace role

The House Ways and Means Committee heard sharply divided testimony March 5 on House Bill 524, a proposal to repeal the New Hampshire Vaccine Association (NHVA) and change how vaccines for commercially insured children are purchased and paid for.

Laura Condon, who told the committee she was appointed to the NHVA board and served five years, urged repeal. "I do not believe that DHHS should be in the business of buying and selling vaccines for commercially insured children," she said, arguing that private purchasing would be cheaper and more efficient.

But dozens of providers and insurers said removing the association would raise costs for practices and families, increase administrative burdens and, in some cases, force small practices to stop offering vaccines. Patrick Miller, executive director of the New Hampshire Vaccine Association, described the association's role and its finances.

"The New Hampshire Vaccine Association is an independent not for profit 501(c)(3) voluntary corporation ... to ensure stable and equitable contributions from all health insurers and third party administrators," Miller testified. He told…