by Devon Green, Sr. Vice President of Policy & Strategy, VAHHS Don’t be fooled by the number of items in the Update—there was a ton of running around this week. We are thoroughly in the back half of the session where proposals are starting to solidify.
See below for the latest:
Reference-Based Pricing: Chair Lyons and the rest of the members of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee are proposing an amendment to S.190 after an agreement between VAHHS and the Green Mountain Care Board that clarifies reference-based pricing for hospitals. For FY 2027, hospitals will be reimbursed at 225% of their Medicare reimbursement for Vermont’s Qualified Health Plans in the individual and small group market.
- On the record, both the Green Mountain Care Board and VAHHS noted that 225% is a place holder until there is a number that is workable for hospitals and insurers.
- The amendment also clarifies that if hospitals apply the 225% and are above their budget, they start to bring down prices that are above 500% of Medicare. If hospitals apply the 225% and are below their budget, they can make adjustments to underfunded services, such as primary care, to make their budget.
APRNs and Patient Bill of Rights: VAHHS testified in support of S.163 for the House Health Care Committee. The bill does not change APRN scope of practice, but it does update the Patient Bill of Rights, and licensing requirements to allow APRNs to be the attending provider and have admitting and discharging privileges.
3.23.2026.
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