Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2026
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, the Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2026, aims to expand access to vaccinations for children, particularly those enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It broadens the definition of ‘federally vaccine-eligible’ to include children in CHIP, increases payment rates for vaccine administration and counseling services, and temporarily raises the federal matching rate for states that implement culturally appropriate vaccination outreach programs. The bill also includes provisions to improve data access for tribal epidemiology centers and requires a report on the bill’s effects.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘federally vaccine-eligible’ child to include children enrolled in CHIP.
- Increases payment rates for vaccine administration and counseling services to at least 100% of Medicare rates for a limited time.
- Raises the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) by 1 percentage point for participating states.
- Requires states to implement culturally competent vaccination outreach programs.
- Enhances data access for tribal epidemiology centers.
- Mandates a report from the Government Accountability Office on the bill’s effects.
- Requires a fee for vaccine administration and counseling services, with limits on fees for federally vaccine-eligible children.
- Clarifies coverage for vaccine administration and counseling services under the Vaccines for Children program.
Who is affected
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