This bill amends the New Hampshire vaccine association statutes to include the definition and provisions for a "respiratory syncytial virus biological product" in the assessment and cost calculations for vaccines. The bill adds language to include the respiratory syncytial virus biological product in various sections of the RSA 126-Q, which pertains to the New Hampshire vaccine association. Specifically, it adds this product to the definitions of "assessable lives," "assessment," "estimated vaccine cost," and "total non-federal program cost." It also creates a new definition for "respiratory syncytial virus biological product," which is a product approved by the FDA and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to be added to the Vaccines for Children program and authorized by the commissioner of the department of health and human services for administration to children under 19 in New Hampshire.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates that there will be no impact on state, county, or local revenues or expenditures, but it does estimate an increase in revenue and expenditures for the New Hampshire Vaccine Association ranging from $717,000 to $1,700,000 in FY 2024, with projected increases in subsequent years based on a 4 percent annual increase in the purchase price of immunizations. The fiscal impact is based on the uptake rate of the immunization, with different scenarios provided for 30, 50, and 70 percent uptake rates. The bill also anticipates that future immunizations may become eligible for purchase under the new definition. The Insurance Department states that the bill's fiscal impact is indeterminable. The act is set to take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 126-Q:1, 126-Q:4
As Amended by the House: 126-Q:1, 126-Q:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 126-Q:1, 126-Q:4