Vermont House Bill H0433

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/25
• Refer: 2/28/25

Caption

An act relating to incremental implementation of Green Mountain Care

Impact

This act seeks to substantially reform the healthcare landscape in Vermont, combining all healthcare services under a unified publicly financed model. It proposes to remove cost-sharing requirements for primary care, which implies that residents would have access to essential health services without financial barriers. The legislative framework outlined in the bill would necessitate concurrent legislative actions pertaining to financing, with suggestions for new taxes or redistributions of existing funds to support the program.

Summary

H0433 is an act dedicated to the incremental implementation of the Green Mountain Care program, aiming to deliver publicly financed healthcare to all Vermont residents. The bill outlines a phased approach that will initiate with comprehensive primary care in the first year and extend to additional services such as preventive dental and vision care in the subsequent years. The intent is to ensure, by the tenth year, that the benefits offered under Green Mountain Care will mirror or exceed those previously contemplated by the original legislation established in 2011.

Contention

Though supporters argue that the Green Mountain Care will simplify access to healthcare and enhance service quality, there is opposition concerning the financial sustainability of such a system. Critics raise concerns regarding the potential economic impact and the feasibility of the broad tax measures proposed to fund this initiative. Additionally, the interplay with existing federal programs and the requirement for waivers under federal law adds complexity to the implementation process, suggesting a contentious debate over healthcare strategy and governance in Vermont.