NHVA FAQ
1. What is the New Hampshire Vaccine Association?
The New Hampshire Vaccine Association (“NHVA”) is a not-for-profit voluntary corporation formed pursuant to New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (“RSA”) Chapter 126-Q. This law became effective June 17, 2002. In accordance with RSA 126-Q the NHVA was incorporated in November, 2002.
2. Is participation by insurance companies “voluntary”?
No. Any entity licensed pursuant to RSA 402, RSA 420-A, or RSA 420-B, currently writing or maintaining health insurance in New Hampshire, including all insurers in the individual health insurance market, the group health insurance market and the stop loss market are subject to the provisions of RSA 126-Q.
3. Are carriers the only ones paying for New Hampshire Vaccines?
No. Substantial portions of the total cost are paid from the State of New Hampshire’s general fund and the federal government. Additionally, by preserving its bulk purchase contract, New Hampshire qualifies for the largest discount available from the pharmaceutical industry.
4. How is a company’s assessment determined?
Assessments are based upon the number of covered lives reported to the New Hampshire Health Plan (the state’s high risk insurance pool, organized under RSA 404-G) for June of each year. The annual assessment due is that number of covered lives multiplied by the assessment rate as set by the NHVA Board. The Board has set the assessment rate for fiscal year 2009/10 at $23.00 per covered life.
5. How often is this assessment paid?
Annually. This is not a monthly assessment. It is instead, an annual assessment. The assessment is due on or before February 1 of the year following notification. For example, assessments set for fiscal year 2009/10 were determined by the Board as of November 1, 2009. Billings were mailed before November 10. Payment is due no later than February 10, 2010.
6. Is the assessment voluntary?
No. RSA 126-Q establishes a mandatory assessment. This replaces the prior voluntary program. All licensed insurers currently writing or maintaining health insurance in New Hampshire (directly or indirectly) must pay.
7. May a company pay in installments?
Yes. The Board of NHVA has prepared a prototype installment plan which is available as an alternative to payment in full on or before February 10, 2010. Under the installment plan, not less than 1/3 (one-third) of the amount due must be paid on or before February 10. The balance may be spread over up to two more months. Payments under the installment plan also must include the deferred payment fees provided by the plan. Timely receipts are critical since the NHVA is obligated, in its plan of operation, to remit the private industry share of the annual vaccine budget to the State of New Hampshire prior to the close of the state’s fiscal year (June 30).
8. What if a company receives an invoice for $0?
If the company has zero covered lives, it need take no further action. $0 invoices are generated by records showing no New Hampshire covered lives. That information was taken from reports filed with New Hampshire Health Plan. It is the carrier’s responsibility under law to make sure this information is correct. If you have further questions or concerns, contact CML Administrators, LLC.
9. What if a company pays late?
A late fee of .000493 times the balance times the number of days past due is added to the amount due. This corresponds roughly to 18% per annum.
10. Are there any other penalties?
Yes. RSA 126-Q:5, I. provides for severe and mandatory fines for non-payment. Additionally, further sanctions may be imposed pursuant to other insurance laws and regulations.
11. Why was RSA 126-Q adopted?
The statute was intended to provide an equitable load sharing between public and private resources to pay for childhood vaccines in New Hampshire. The Department of Health and Human Services also offers extensive services which greatly streamline childhood vaccinations in this state. This, in turn, (a) preserves the State’s access to the largest available vaccination discount available for purchase of vaccines and (b) eliminates paperwork for both providers and the insurance industry. Estimated savings to the industry amount to several multiples of the total annual assessment under RSA 126-Q. This mechanism also protects New Hampshire’s favorable universal vaccination status. As a consequence of its universal covered status and numerous supportive programs sponsored by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire has consistently maintained one of the highest childhood vaccination rates in the country.
12. Where may I obtain more information?
On the web at www.nhvaccine.org. You may also contact the NHVA Executive Director, CML Administrators, LLC, telephone 603-227-7CML (227-7265). Its website address is www.CML-1885.com and its mailing address is P.O. Box 1885, Concord, NH 03302-1885.