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.

The Health Care Committee continues its work to find ways to reduce the cost of health care in Vermont while maximizing access to quality health care.  The system saw a $230,000,000 reduction in costs to the system, mostly due to a reduction in what hospitals can charge for drugs given in an out-patient setting. This was implemented in FY26 and was a great beginning that helped to keep the increase in education health insurance to single digits.

Several bills have passed out of committee unanimously:  

H.577 (An act relating to establishing the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program) would launch a card, Array RX, that enables Vermonters to pay about 20% of the cost of generic prescription drugs and 80% of trade drugs through a multi-state nonprofit consortium. The State Treasurer estimates that the card should save Vermonters millions. It is available to those with and without health insurance and would count towards the deductible on health insurance plans.

H.270 (An act relating to confidentiality in peer support sessions for emergency service providers) is a bill that provides for confidential peer support for first responders. This was requested by the first responder community to make sure that a trained peer support specialist was available for consultation, and that it be confidential. This was described as an essential way to avoid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and risk of suicide.

H.84 (An act relating to allowing telehealth appointments to be recorded with patient and provider consent) creates a change in existing statute by adding language that allows telehealth appointments to be recorded if both the patient and the doctor/clinician agree. The committee heard testimony that this would enhance the telehealth session for both patient and provider.

H.558 (An act relating to the Medicaid school-based services program) changes the receipt of Federal reimbursement for school-based services under Medicaid from being administered by both the Agency of Education and the Agency for Human Services (AHS). Because AHS has the expertise to maximize benefits to Vermont students and schools, this bill makes AHS the sole administer of these services.

The committee heard testimony on the $195 million Federal Rural Health Transformation Funding grant. The Committee has a strong focus on enhancing access to primary care for Vermonters. There are strict limits for what the funds can be used; the allowable use is being implemented by the Agency of Human Services. The committee plans to take testimony on the subject of universal access to primary health care,and to make a robust inquiry regarding best approaches to accessible and affordable access to primary health care.

The committee continues taking testimony on cost drivers and potential cost savings in health care, including the implementation of referenced-based pricing. They are working to save money for Vermont seniors who are on Medicare and who utilize out-patient services related to critical access hospitals. There is active collaboration among Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Department of Financial Regulation, The Green Mountain Care Board, the Vermont Hospitals (including the University of Vermont), and the Health Care Advocate towards reducing the cost of health care and lowering insurance premiums for Vermonters.