The New York State Department of Financial Services is set to implement part of a two-bill package signed by Governor Kathy Hochul that reduces reliance on federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) recommendations in New York vaccine policy. The main insurance change requires health insurers to cover not only ACIP-recommended vaccines but also vaccines recommended by the Commissioner of Health to the Superintendent of Financial Services under generally accepted medical standards and with reference to nationally or internationally recognized scientific organizations. The second bill removes references to ACIP from the Public Health Law, Education Law and Social Services Law in areas including school immunization requirements, the recommended immunization schedule for newborns, provider prescribing and administration authority, and Medicaid coverage. It also authorizes pharmacists under state law to administer COVID-19 immunizations to children aged two to 18, whereas current state law authorizes pharmacists to administer that vaccine only to adults.
New York State Department of Financial Services2026-05-15
New York State Department of Financial Services to require health insurer coverage of vaccines recommended under state standards
The New York State Department of Financial Services will implement legislation reducing reliance on federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice recommendations by requiring insurers to cover vaccines recommended either by ACIP or by the Commissioner of Health under generally accepted medical standards. A companion bill removes ACIP references from multiple state laws, updates immunization requirements and coverage provisions, and authorizes pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children aged two and older.