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Committee advances bill to lock in preventive care and immunization coverage as of Jan. 1, 2025
Summary
House Bill 338 would require health carriers to maintain coverage of vaccines and preventive screenings that were recommended as of Jan. 1, 2025, shielding Delawareans from potential federal rollbacks; the committee heard broad support from medical and public-health groups and voted to release the bill.
A sponsor told the Banking, Insurance and Commerce Committee that House Bill 338 would anchor Delaware's health-carrier requirements to the preventive and immunization coverage in effect on Jan. 1, 2025, so that federal rollbacks would not allow insurers to charge or deny services Delaware currently receives for free or at low cost.
The sponsor framed the bill as a response to changes at the federal level and said the Jan. 1, 2025 date preserves evidence-based standards for cancer screenings, vaccines, and other preventive services. "This bill is an answer to that threat," the sponsor said, urging the committee to protect screenings, vaccines, and women's preventive care in state law.
Committee members generally supported protecting preventive care; one member urged caution about tying policy to a particular date but the sponsor said the date was chosen because federal recommendations were in flux and the committee needed a concrete anchor. Supporters said the bill does not create new coverage beyond what already existed on Jan. 1, 2025 and does not create new state costs.
Public testimony included the Medical Society of Delaware and the Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public Health, which said maintaining the 2025 schedule protects children and vulnerable populations and aligns with clinical guidance. Kevin Sheehan for the Medical Society said the bill helps guarantee access to recommended immunizations and preventive services and urged continuing conversations with public-health stakeholders to keep policy evidence-based.
Colin Ryan of the Delaware Health Care Association expressed support while noting a desire to ensure future vaccines or newly developed preventive services remain accessible as medical science advances.
The committee moved and seconded to release HB 338; a roll-call vote recorded multiple 'yes' responses and the motion passed, releasing the bill from committee.
