It is likely to be a lively legislative session as this article in the Times Argus and Rutland Herald illustrates. At least four bills will get a hearing in this session. Two of these bills deserve our support.
Worthy of support:
The best bill is S88/H100 (actually these are Senate and House versions of the same basic bill, so we are considering them as one here). S88/H100 would establish the framework for a publicly financed, single payer, Medicare for All type system for the state of Vermont. It will be paid for through progressive taxes while eliminating premiums and out of pocket payments. It will contain costs by streamlining administrative costs and by implementing global budgets for hospitals. Its benefits are written all over this website.
The second bill is H304, The Vermont Hospital Security Act. It will be introduced by Rep. Topper McFaun from Barre Town. This bill would publicly finance hospital care for all Vermonters and shore up the primary care financing of our Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). In essence, this bill would create a single payer system for all Vermonters’ hospital care. Premiums would drop by at least 40% (hospital coverage would be eliminated from the premium) and everyone would be guaranteed hospital coverage.
Other bills introduced so far:
A third bill is a Hospital Global Budget bill promoted by former state senator James Leddy from Burlington and attorney John Franco. This bill would implement global budgets for hospitals while guaranteeing their fixed costs. Its strengths are that it begins to rein in hospital costs which are the leading cost driver in health care. Its flaw is that it does not have a financing mechanism.
A fourth bill is sponsored by Rep. Paul Porrier from Barre. It imposes an insurance mandate on employers and individuals. It allows individuals and employers to buy into Medicaid and subsidizes up to 300% of poverty. The numbers aren’t in yet but it is likely to add costs to our already costly health care “system”.
If you have ideas for bills or questions on any of these let us know. We want to hear from you.