Vermont House Bill H0742

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/11/24

Caption

An act relating to health insurance reimbursement rate parity

Impact

If enacted, this bill would have significant implications on healthcare reimbursement practices in Vermont. By prohibiting health insurers from offering lower reimbursement rates to APRNs and PAs as compared to physicians, H0742 is designed to encourage the inclusion of these healthcare providers in insurance networks, thus enhancing patient access to a broader range of healthcare services. The bill also includes a provision requiring the Department of Financial Regulation to monitor and report on the impacts of this legislation, including potential changes in the number of healthcare providers in the network and any shifts in reimbursement rates.

Summary

H0742 is a bill introduced in the Vermont General Assembly aimed at establishing reimbursement rate parity between health care providers. Specifically, the bill mandates that health insurers reimburse advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) at the same rates as in-network physicians for providing equivalent healthcare services. The key objective behind this legislation is to ensure that APRNs and PAs, who play an increasingly vital role in the healthcare system, receive equitable compensation compared to their physician counterparts, thereby promoting better access to care for patients.

Contention

The introduction of H0742 may not be without controversy. While many proponents argue that parity in reimbursement rates is essential for recognizing the valuable contributions of APRNs and PAs within the healthcare system, critics may express concerns about the financial implications for insurance companies and potential adjustments to physician reimbursement rates. Specifically, the bill states that insurers cannot reduce physician reimbursement amounts to comply with the new regulations, which could lead to differing opinions on sustainability and resource allocation within the healthcare landscape.