SB 23-260

Senate Bill 23-260, which has been approved and is now in effect, ensures that individuals can receive publicly funded vaccines without being required to show health insurance or pay an administration fee. Healthcare providers must inform patients that they cannot be denied a vaccine based on their ability to pay or provide identification. However, independent pharmacies are allowed to charge for the cost of administering the vaccine but have limits on how much they can charge. This bill aims to make vaccines more accessible by removing financial barriers and ensuring clear communication about costs and eligibility.

Official Summary

The act allows a physician, a physician assistant, an advanced practice registered nurse, or any other person who is authorized by law to administer a vaccine (practitioner) to ask an individual who seeks to receive a publicly funded vaccine to present proof of health insurance or other form of identification, but a practitioner is prohibited from conditioning the receipt of the vaccine on the individual's presentation of the documentation or ability to pay an administration fee. The act requires practitioners to post a notice and provide to individuals seeking a publicly funded vaccine a disclosure statement indicating that the publicly funded vaccine will be provided regardless of the individual's presentation of the requested documentation or ability to pay an administration fee. The act allows an independent pharmacy to condition receipt of a publicly funded vaccine on an individual's ability to pay for the administration of the vaccine but limits the amount an independent pharmacy may charge. The act prohibits a practitioner from charging an individual for the cost of a vaccine that is paid for by the federal, the state, or a local government but permits a practitioner to charge and seek payment from an insurer or the vaccine recipient or, if applicable, from a federal or state source, for the cost of administering the vaccine. APPROVED by Governor May 10, 2023 EFFECTIVE May 10, 2023 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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