HB 1115 Summary

• Establishes a Universal Immunization Funding Program administered by the Department of Health to provide state-purchased immunizations at federal discount rates to individuals not eligible for coverage through other programs.

• Creates the Universal Immunization Purchase Special Fund to be financed through assessments on health carriers, including insurers, health maintenance organizations, and health cost sharing programs with covered lives in Hawaii.

• Requires assessed entities to self-report child and adult covered lives monthly and pay per-child and per-adult monthly assessment rates calculated by the director to cover immunization costs, program administration, and reserves.

• Authorizes the director to establish regular assessments, interim assessments for new immunizations or public health emergencies, and collect interest at 1% monthly on unpaid assessments, with fines up to $1,000 per violation for non-compliance.

• Appropriates funds from general revenues and the special fund for startup operations and initial procurement of immunizations, effective July 1, 3000.