The bill amends various sections of Vermont law to enhance the role and authority of the Office of the Health Care Advocate (OHCA) in health insurance and health care matters. Key changes include the requirement for the Green Mountain Care Board to provide public access to rate filing materials and to consider written comments from the OHCA regarding insurers' rate requests. The OHCA is granted the authority to submit questions and comments during the review process of health insurance applications and is recognized as an interested party in administrative or judicial reviews of applications. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and the need for state agencies to cooperate with the OHCA in health care policymaking.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the OHCA as an independent entity dedicated to promoting access to high-quality, affordable health care for all Vermonters. It outlines the duties of the OHCA, which include assisting individuals with health insurance issues, providing public information, and ensuring that Vermonters' perspectives are considered in health care policies. The bill also addresses conflicts of interest for the OHCA and mandates that it maintain confidentiality regarding the information of individuals using its services. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 8-4062, 18-9440(c), 18-9440, 18-229
As Passed By the House -- Official: 8-4062, 18-9440(c), 18-9440, 18-229
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 8-4062, 18-9440(c), 18-9440, 18-229
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 8-4062, 18-9440(c), 18-9440, 18-229
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 8-4062, 18-9440(c), 18-9440, 18-229
As Enacted: 8-4062, 18-9440(c), 18-9440, 18-229