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House Health panel hears divided testimony on SB1598 to require insurers to cover preventive services and give standing-order authority to public health officer
Summary
Senate Bill 1598 would require state‑regulated health plans to cover preventive services recommended by the state public health officer and allow the officer to issue standing orders; supporters said it preserves access and avoids the confusion seen after federal guidance changes, while multiple opponents warned it centralizes authority and could erode clinician autonomy.
The House Committee on Health Care heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 1598, a measure requiring state‑regulated health plans to cover specified preventive services — including immunizations — and giving Oregon's public health officer authority to publish recommendations and issue standing orders for providers.
Senator Lisa Reynolds, a pediatrician, framed the bill as preserving access for those who choose vaccines and as non‑mandating: "This bill does not mandate or require or compel any vaccine or medication full stop." She said the bill would task the public health officer with recommending a state vaccine schedule based on evidence and expert guidance.
TK Keen, Oregon's insurance…
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