H.R. 8425 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Apr 21, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands free vaccination program for children
The Vaccines for Children Program currently gives free shots to uninsured and underinsured kids, as well as those on Medicaid and Native American youth. This bill expands the program to include children enrolled in CHIP, a program that provides health coverage to kids in families that earn too much for Medicaid but don't have much money. The bill also sets minimum payment rates for the work that doctors and nurses do when they give vaccines and talk to families about them, and offers extra federal funding to states that do culturally tailored outreach about vaccines.
How it affects you
If you're a parent of a child enrolled in CHIP, your child could gain access to free vaccinations through this expanded program. Healthcare providers who give vaccines to children may see payment increases for their services. States that reach out to communities in culturally appropriate ways about vaccines could receive additional federal support for their programs.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 21, 2026)
Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2026
This bill expands vaccination programs and coverage for children under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Specifically, the bill expands and otherwise modifies the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides free vaccinations to individuals 18 years of age or younger who are uninsured or underinsured (i.e., with limited or no insurance for vaccines), are eligible for Medicaid, or are American Indians or Alaskan Natives. The bill expands the program to include children enrolled in CHIP. The Government Accountability Office must report on the related effects of the bill's changes.
The bill also temporarily requires payments under Medicaid and CHIP for vaccine administration and counseling services for children to be made at a rate that is no less than the rate under Medicare for equivalent services. It also increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for states that conduct culturally appropriate outreach regarding the benefits of vaccinations for children.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 8425
A BILL
Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA-8) · Introduced Apr 21, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 21, 2026: “Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.”