Date: May 27, 2008
For more information contact: Mikaela Reck, Public Information Officer, (608) 267-9336 or mikaela.reck@wisconsin.gov

Measles vaccine a mandated benefit

Madison, WI—The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) reminds Wisconsin residents that the measles and rubella vaccinations are a state mandated benefit for children from birth to six years.

"With the recent measles cases in the Milwaukee area it's important to know that insurance policies are required to cover various immunizations for your child," said Sean Dilweg, Insurance Commissioner. "Routine vaccinations can prevent these diseases from becoming a serious problem."

All health insurance policies and self-insured county, municipality and school district health plans in the state must provide coverage of appropriate and necessary immunizations for dependent children of an insured.

This mandate does not apply to health insurance policies that provide coverage of only certain specified diseases, policies that cover only hospital and surgical charges, and policies offered by a limited service health organization. Long-term care policies and Medicare supplement or Medicare replacement policies are also not subject to the mandate.

"Childhood vaccinations prevent disease in people who receive them," said Dilweg. "Because measles and rubella have started showing up in Wisconsin, and because this is a mandated benefit, we highly recommend all children get immunized."

Individuals and families who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover needed immunizations should contact their local public health agency for information about public health immunization clinics.

The Wisconsin Fact Sheet on Mandated Benefits in Health Insurance Policies can be viewed on the OCI Web site at oci.wi.gov. This publication can also be ordered free from the agency by writing to OCI Publications, P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873, or by calling 800-236-8517. More information on the Wisconsin Immunization Program can be viewed on the Department of Health and Family Services Web site at www.dhfs.state.wi.us.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.