S8334

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would empower state insurance regulators to mandate COVID-19 vaccine coverage by in-state insurers, responding to concerns about potential federal rollbacks of vaccine coverage requirements. Senate Print 8334, sponsored by Sen. Gounardes, passed 52-9 on a roll call vote. The bill would authorize the Insurance Commissioner, in consultation with the Health Commissioner, to require coverage of COVID vaccines—authority similar to what state officials already possess over other vaccine series. Gounardes cited recent federal developments, including HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.'s recommendation to remove COVID from CDC-mandated coverage and his subsequent removal of CDC vaccine advisory committee members, as justification for state-level protections. He emphasized particular concern for pregnant women and young children, who face elevated risk from COVID infection. Nine senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Walczyk, and Weik. The bill takes effect January 1.