QUALIFIED IMM. AGENTS AND LAB TESTS; COVER S.B. 993 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 993 (Substitute S-1 as reported) (Senate-passed version)
Sponsor: Senator Sylvia Santana
CONTENT
The bill would amend Chapter 34 (Disability Insurance Policies) of the Insurance Code to require an insurer that delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in Michigan a health insurance policy that provided coverage for immunization agents to provide coverage for the following, beginning January 1, 2026:
-- A qualified immunizing agent listed on the Immunization Schedules of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that was administered by a pharmacist under Section 17724 of the Public Health Code, at an in-network pharmacy.
-- A qualified laboratory test ordered by a pharmacist under Section 17724a of the Code, at an in-network pharmacy.
-- A drug dispensed by a pharmacist under Section 17724a of the Code, at an in-network pharmacy.
(Section 17724 of the Public Health Code allows a pharmacist to order and administer a qualified immunizing agent without acting under the direction of a physician. Section 17724a of the Code allows a pharmacist to order and administer a qualified laboratory test if the test is waived by the Food and Drug Administration, requires specimen collection only by nose, mouth, or finger, and is used to screen for COVID-19, influenza, or a respiratory infection.)
BRIEF RATIONALE
On July 19, 2023, Public Act (PA) 97 codified Federal emergency orders issued during the COVID-19 pandemic that authorized pharmacists to administer immunization agents without doctor supervision. This was done, in part, to extend care to Michigan residents that were previously underserved by doctor s offices, such as those who lived in rural communities or who were poor;[1] however, since PA 97 s implementation, situations have arisen in which immunizations, COVID-19 tests, or influenza tests that patients want administered from a pharmacist are not covered under their insurance policies. Requiring insurance policies to cover certain vaccines, drugs, and tests ordered and administered by a pharmacist would help these individuals afford necessary medical services.
Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have to fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 12-6-24 Fiscal Analyst: Nathan Leaman
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
[1] Senate Fiscal Agency, Enacted Analysis of Senate Bill 219 of 2023, 8-25-23. Available on the Michigan Legislature website: http://www.legislature.mi.gov.