by Devon Green, VP of Government Relations, VAHHS
Only a few health care bills remain for the committees to pass out, but they are big ones—if not in pages, then in power. The health care committees used most of their time last week to go over major bills, which means they will likely move very quickly this week.
Expansion of Green Mountain Care Board Powers: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard more on H.482, the bill that allows the Green Mountain Care Board to adjust reimbursement rates for certain hospitals if a domestic health insurer is near insolvency; adjust reimbursement rates if hospitals are not meeting their budgets; and appoint an independent observer if hospitals are in violation of their budget orders.
The Green Mountain Care Board and the Department of Financial Regulation oppose all VAHHS’s suggestions on the bill. The committee heard testimony from Dr. Nancy Kane on whether there was a better metric than days’ cash on hand for the fiscal health of the hospital. Dr. Kane suggested withholding some reimbursement and then releasing it if not needed, but the Green Mountain Care Board did not think this was feasible or necessary to spell out in legislation.
Health Care Reform: The House Health Care committee completed markup of S.126, the health care reform bill, and Rep. Houghton put forward an amendment that would divide the state into regions and require hospitals in each region to save 10% in total cost of care. Rep. Houghton said she was open to changing the 10% number, since it is about $400 million. The amendment would also provide the Green Mountain Care Board with the power to reopen and adjust its hospital budget guidance. The bill is scheduled to be voted out on Tuesday afternoon.
Green Mountain Care Board Miscellaneous Bill: The House Health Care Committee advanced S.63, a technical bill for the Green Mountain Care Board, with the policy that hospital budgets are not considered contested cases under the Vermont Administrative Procedures Act despite opposition from VAHHS.
340B Protection: VAHHS came to an agreement with the Health Care Advocate on reporting requirements for H.266, the 340B protection bill. The committee noted late last week that it may also lift the current white bagging ban.
Workforce Development: The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee heard testimony in support of funding the Maple Mountain Family Residency Program in S.122. The funding would help address Vermont’s primary care shortage.
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