This bill proposes to establish a licensing structure for freestanding birth centers. It would also require prenatal, maternity, postpartum, and newborn coverage under health insurance plans and Medicaid to include birth center services and would specify that birth centers are not subject to certificate of need review.
An act relating to miscellaneous provisions affecting health insurance regulation. This act requires health insurers and health care providers to comply with the requirements of the federal No Surprises Act and directs the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) to enforce those requirements and to collaborate with other stakeholders to inform health care providers of their responsibilities under the federal Act. DFR may also refer cases of noncompliance to the federal government or to the Office of the Vermont Attorney General. The act updates and further delineates the requirements for an association or trust to [...]
An act relating to considering using reference-based pricing for the State employees’ health plan. This bill proposes to direct the Department of Human Resources to convene a working group comprising representatives of the Department, labor organizations representing State employees and teachers, and the Vermont State Teachers’ Retirement System to explore options for designing and implementing a system of reference-based pricing based on a multiple of Medicare reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient hospital services and other health care services covered under the health plans for active and retired State employees and teachers. The bill [...]
This bill proposes to provide Medicaid-equivalent coverage to all Vermonters by age bands over time, regardless of household income. It would direct the Agency of Human Services to seek approval for federal financial participation in the expanded coverage, with the State paying the full amount if the federal government does not approve the request. The bill would direct the Agency of Human Services and others to develop cost estimates for the Medicaid-equivalent coverage and a detailed implementation plan. The bill would also require the Department of Taxes to report on potential payroll tax design [...]
An act relating to eligibility for Dr. Dynasaur-like coverage for all incomeeligible children and pregnant individuals regardless of immigration status. This act requires the Agency of Human Services (AHS) to provide coverage equivalent to the coverage under the Dr. Dynasaur program to children and pregnant individuals who are not eligible for Dr. Dynasaur because of their immigration status. The coverage will become available beginning on July 1, 2022, subject to fiscal year 2023 appropriations. The act specifies that the same confidentiality provisions will apply to the new coverage as apply under the Medicaid program, [...]
An act relating to considerations in facilitating the interstate practice of health care professionals using telehealth. This act creates the Facilitation of Interstate Practice Using Telehealth Working Group to compile and evaluate methods for facilitating the practice of health care professionals throughout the United States using telehealth modalities. The Working Group, led by the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, must provide its findings and recommendations to the legislative committees of jurisdiction by December 15, 2021.
An act relating to extending health care regulatory flexibility during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and to coverage of health care services delivered by audio-only telephone.
This is part of a series of summaries that highlight notable legislation and initiatives in health policy and reform of all 50 states. Check back on The Source as we roll out additional states each week. See Vermont page. Vermont has been active in cost containment and transparency through a number of state planning initiatives, rate and premium control, and the VHCURES all-payer claims database. Most notably, Vermont attempted to be the first state to operate a single-payer healthcare system, Green Mountain Care, in 2011; however, the state gave up on the plan in 2014 due [...]
Newly available on the Source: our health policy research team compiled a user-friendly, downloadable Excel spreadsheet of all provider merger review authority for all 50 states, now on the Market Consolidation interactive key issue page. The detailed chart provides clickable citations of all statutes, regulations, and state authority for mergers, acquisitions, conversions, or changes in ownership of healthcare providers. The comprehensive spreadsheet allows side-by-side comparisons of the level of legal authority for each state to receive notice of impending transactions, review those transactions, and approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove them. It is conveniently organized [...]
