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Committee hears wide support and some opposition for bill to require coverage of preventive services and standing orders
Summary
SB 1598 would require state‑regulated health plans to cover preventive services as of 06/30/2025 and allow the public health officer to issue standing orders; health providers, medical associations and insurers largely supported the bill for maintaining vaccine access, while some witnesses raised concerns about liability and scope.
Senate Bill 1598 drew extended testimony on Feb. 9 as advocates, public health officials and insurers described access problems after changes to federal vaccine guidance last year and urged the measure to preserve insurance coverage and practical access routes such as pharmacy vaccination and on‑site clinics.
Sponsor and supporters framed the bill as an insurance consumer protection. "This is a bill that we're really calling an insurance bill, aimed at consumer protection," said Sen. Lisa Reynolds, a pediatrician, who noted that confusion about federal recommendations disrupted access to COVID‑19 vaccines and other routine immunizations. Sen. Sarah Gelser Bluhm described families who…
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