Meningococcal vaccination.

12LSO-0193.L1

                                                         

FISCAL NOTE

No significant non-administrative fiscal impact.

 

On July 1, 2011, the Immunization Program transitioned from a Universal vaccine supply policy to a Universal-Select vaccine supply policy. As a result of this transition, Wyoming children with health insurance coverage may not receive free state-funded meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) vaccine. All children who are eligible for Medicaid, children who are uninsured, American Indian/Alaska Native children, and some children who have health insurance that does not cover all immunizations would receive free federally-provided vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

 

Upon full implementation of the Affordable Care Act, any individual with health insurance will be able to receive all immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), without deductibles or co-payments.

 

This legislation requires the University of Wyoming and all Wyoming community colleges to review students’ immunization records and require at least one dose of MCV4 vaccine within 30 days of college entry.  The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) would be responsible for promulgating rules and regulations to implement this statute. The statute does not require the WDH to purchase MCV4 vaccines for insured children in Wyoming; therefore, the WDH would not incur additional expenses.

 

The University of Wyoming (UW) states that as the meningococcal immunization is relatively expensive ($125 at UW Student Health Service), it is possible that such a requirement could deter a student from enrolling, and thus reduce tuition revenue. However, UW's data does not indicate that students are avoiding enrollment as a result of the required MMR vaccines. Two such vaccines are required with a combined cost of approximately the same amount – roughly $127.

 

The Community College Commission indicates that those students excluded from a college during an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis because they have waivers or because they have not yet be immunized may be eligible for refunds of tuition and fees. However, this potential impact on revenues is unknown.

 

NOTICE-AGENCY ESTIMATE OF ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT REQUESTED

 

This bill has administrative impact that appears to increase (or decrease) duties or responsibilities of one or more state agencies and may impact agency spending or staffing requirements. As introduced, the bill does not modify any state agency budget or current personnel authorizations.

The following state agencies will be asked to provide their estimate of the administrative fiscal impact prior to the first committee meeting held to consider the bill:

University of Wyoming

Community College Commission

Prepared by:   Dean Temte, LSO       Phone: 777-7881

(Information provided by Molly Bruner, Dept. of Health; 777-6018:

Matt Petry, Community College Commission; 777-5859:

Don Richards, University of Wyoming; 307-766-2238)