The Vermont Office of Health Care Reform today released the first in a series of web videos designed to highlight the often unfair, complex and hidden way in which health care is currently funded in Vermont. The intent is to launch a weeks-long conversation about the inequities in the current health care financing system and ways to improve it. Before the Legislature convenes in January, the governor will release his proposed benefits and public-financing proposals for Green Mountain Care, a universal, publicly financed health care system for Vermont.
"Access to quality, affordable health care is a something all Vermonters need. But how we pay for it today is not simple or fair,” said Robin Lunge, Vermont's Director of Health Care Reform. “Fulfilling Act 48's goals of a universal, publicly financed health care system in Vermont would allow all Vermonters to receive health care based upon ability to pay."
The video released today shows how under current health care system, two Vermont individuals with the same job and the same salary can end up paying vastly different amounts – to the tune of thousands of dollars per year – for the same health care plan depending on whether or not their employer contributes to that plan.
Governor Shumlin announced the video release at his weekly press conference. “In the coming weeks, we will be discussing our Green Mountain Care benefits recommendations with the Green Mountain Care Board and will be presenting to Vermonters our proposal for moving Vermont to a universal, publicly financed health care system," he said. "I know that we will have a chance for detailed discussion and analysis to make sure any changes benefit Vermonters and our state’s economy, and I look forward to it.”
Source: Vermont Office of Health Care Reform 12.3.2014