SANTA FE, N.M. — A bill with bipartisan support requiring health insurance companies to help the state purchase vaccines for privately insured children in New Mexico has cleared the Legislature.

New Mexico is among a handful of states that operate universal vaccine purchasing programs aimed at boosting immunization rates. But paying into the program is voluntary here.

The legislation sponsored by Democratic Sen. Bill O’Neill and Republican Rep. Terry McMillan and passed unanimously by both chambers this month awaits the governor’s signature.

Read more here: http://www.abqjournal.com/556623/politics/legislature-blog/nm-legislature-oks-bill-for-vaccines-payment-from-insurers.html