Rep. Matt Marshall warns DOH gets too much power under vaccine insurance coverage bill
During floor debate on House Bill 2242, Rep. Matt Marshall, R-Eatonville, raised concerns about the proposal that would shift vaccine insurance coverage decisions to the Washington Department of Health.
The bill would allow the agency to issue immunization recommendations based on experts it “in its discretion” considers relevant. Marshall warned that language opens the door to potential expert shopping and selective input to support the agency opinion.
He also questioned language that would let DOH require insurance coverage for vaccines it recommends without going through the normal rulemaking process.
Marshall made clear his position isn’t about banning vaccines. The bill doesn’t force anyone to get one. His concern is oversight — and whether too much authority is being concentrated in a single agency without clear legislative guardrails.
