The Vermont Legislature recently passed S.88, a health care reform bill. Vermont and Massachusetts have led the nation in health care reforms. These reforms have not been perfect, but are steps in the right direction. The 2010 federal health care bill was based in part on the Massachusetts model (signed by Mitt Romney) and the Republican health care plan presented in 1993 (individual mandates and minimum benefit packages) as an alternative to the Clinton plan, proposed by Republican Sens. Charles Grassley, Orrin Hatch and John Chaffee.
The 2010 federal health care bill in many ways brings other U.S. states to where Vermont and Massachusetts already are. Even so, health care costs in Vermont continue to rise unsustainably. Despite targeted programs and Band-Aid fixes, it is clear that a more holistic and systematic approach is needed. This not only includes financial and IT reforms, but also preventive care and increasing the number of doctors, especially in primary care.
S.88 includes a system design process for three possible options for a 21st century health care system for Vermont, to be presented to the next Legislature in February 2011. If a design option is selected, the intent is to begin implementation in 2012. It would then require federal waivers or flexibility for individual states to innovate in health care reforms. Our congressional delegation has already pledged to advocate for such waivers.
S.88 bill has been sent to Gov. Jim Douglas. As a C-SPAN viewer, I have to commend Gov. Douglas for his work with the National Governors Association (NGA). While Congress has demonstrated mostly partisan dysfunction and gridlock, the NGA has demonstrated a much more bipartisan and congenial approach to dealing with many issues, including health care.
Gov. Douglas is the current chairman of the National Governors Association. His vice chairman is Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia. Together they have focused on health care reform as their top issue for 2010. The NGA has demonstrated the type of bipartisan efforts that President Obama wishes might someday appear in Washington.
As Gov. Jim Douglas ponders whether to sign or veto S.88, I urge him to reflect upon statements he has made at recent National Governors Association meetings, before the C-SPAN cameras. Based on Gov. Douglas’ own statements about U.S. states leading the way on health care reform, I urge Gov. Douglas to sign S.88 and support the health care system design process. S.88 would provide more choices for the next Legislature and governor, as well as the citizens of Vermont.
I commend Gov. Douglas for his work as chairman of the National Governors Association, and his focus on health care reform. By signing S.88, Gov. Douglas can set an example for the other 49 governors and follow through on his desire to allow states to innovate to improve our health care system and the health of all Vermonters. We can’t have a healthy economy without healthy citizens.
RON PULCER
Rutland Town