Health Care Committee

The House Committee on Health Care considers matters relating to health care, defined as an integrated, holistic system of care that includes policy development with and oversight of the Vermont Departments of Health Access, of Mental Health, and of Health, and health equity, health insurance, health care delivery improvement, and other similar policies.

Landscape Of Healthcare In Vermont And Approaches To Policy Reform

The House Committee on Health Care has taken extensive testimony and received updates from across Vermont’s Healthcare system, including private and public organizations, hospitals, advocates, consumers, rate payers, and insurers. These testimonies have illuminated that Vermont’s system of care is fragile. We are facing major workforce shortages, provider financial strain, access issues, and increasing demand for more acute services. Without swift and meaningful intervention, key parts of our system will fracture, limiting access to quality care for all Vermonters.

In response, the committee is exploring short, medium, and long-term strategies to alleviate pressures and bring sustainability. Our discussions and policy action has focused on legislation that immediately streamlines regulatory oversight and promotes accountability and financial stability. Specifically, H.35/Act 2 (An act relating to unmerging the individual and small group health insurance markets) and H.96 (An act relating to increasing the monetary thresholds for certificates of need). Committee members are considering mid term reform efforts that encourage innovation and ensure Vermont’s healthcare system  remain solvent and more affordable and accessible in the years ahead.

One key reform priority is H-96, a bill aimed at increasing the monetary thresholds for a Certificate of Need (CON). Current requirements often prompt the CON process, which can be expensive, stifle competition and delay the expansion of services, acquisition of new equipment, or investment in critical infrastructure. By adjusting monetary thresholds, H-96 seeks to balance oversight with efficiency and improve access.

As we move forward in the session we will be working on legislation that focuses on a long term strategy to address cost, insurer stability, affordability, and access.  Vermonters deserve to receive the care they need, in the appropriate setting, at the right time, and for a price they can afford.