The bill proposes a comprehensive overhaul of Vermont's health insurance regulations by repealing the existing 8 V.S.A. Chapter 107 and introducing a newly organized version that includes clear definitions for key terms such as "covered individual," "health care services," and "health insurance plan." It establishes compliance with federal laws, prohibits unfair discrimination in premium rates, and mandates transparent advertising practices. The bill also outlines the enforcement authority of the Commissioner of Health and sets penalties for violations, aiming to enhance consumer protection and ensure adherence to both state and federal regulations.
Additionally, the bill introduces several amendments to existing health insurance policies, focusing on consumer protections, coverage requirements, and the approval process for insurance plans. It mandates coverage for essential services, including mental health care, cancer screenings, and prescription drugs, while prohibiting discriminatory practices and ensuring equitable access to care. Key provisions include the requirement for health insurers to cover telemedicine services, the prohibition of preexisting condition exclusions, and the establishment of a fund to support the Green Mountain Care Board's regulatory responsibilities. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to streamline health insurance regulations while improving access and fairness in the healthcare system.
Statutes affected: As Introduced: 8-107, 1-317(c), 1-317, 8-4512(b), 8-4512, 8-4515a, 8-4516, 8-4587, 8-4588, 8-4724(7)(E), 8-4724, 8-4724(7), 8-5104(a), 8-5104, 8-5115, 8-8083, 8-8094(e), 8-8094, 18-701, 18-706, 18-4750, 18-9361(a), 18-9361, 18-9362(a), 18-9362, 18-9375(b), 18-9375, 18-9377(g)(1), 18-9377, 18-9377(g), 18-9381(d), 18-9381, 18-9404(d), 18-9404, 18-9414a(a), 18-9414a, 18-9462, 18-9573(a), 18-9573, 32-1407(b), 32-1407, 32-10401, 33-1813(a)(2), 33-1813, 33-1813(a), 33-1814, 33-4110(a)(6), 33-4110, 33-4110(a)
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 8-107, 1-317(c), 1-317, 8-4512(b), 8-4512, 8-4515a, 8-4516, 8-4587, 8-4588, 8-4724(7)(E), 8-4724, 8-4724(7), 8-5104(a), 8-5104, 8-5115, 8-8083, 8-8094(e), 8-8094, 18-701, 18-706, 18-4750, 18-9361(a), 18-9361, 18-9362(a), 18-9362, 18-9375(b), 18-9375, 18-9377(g)(1), 18-9377, 18-9377(g), 18-9381(d), 18-9381, 18-9404(d), 18-9404, 18-9414a(a), 18-9414a, 18-9462, 18-9573(a), 18-9573, 32-1407(b), 32-1407, 32-10401, 33-1813(a)(2), 33-1813, 33-1813(a), 33-1814, 33-4110(a)(6), 33-4110, 33-4110(a)
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 8-107, 1-317(c), 1-317, 8-4512(b), 8-4512, 8-4515a, 8-4516, 8-4587, 8-4588, 8-4724(7)(E), 8-4724, 8-4724(7), 8-5104(a), 8-5104, 8-5115, 8-8083, 8-8094(e), 8-8094, 18-701, 18-706, 18-4750, 18-9361(a), 18-9361, 18-9362(a), 18-9362, 18-9375(b), 18-9375, 18-9377(g)(1), 18-9377, 18-9377(g), 18-9381(d), 18-9381, 18-9404(d), 18-9404, 18-9414a(a), 18-9414a, 18-9462, 18-9573(a), 18-9573, 32-1407(b), 32-1407, 32-10401, 33-1813(a)(2), 33-1813, 33-1813(a), 33-1814, 33-4110(a)(6), 33-4110, 33-4110(a)
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 8-107, 1-317(c), 1-317, 8-4512(b), 8-4512, 8-4515a, 8-4516, 8-4587, 8-4588, 8-4724(7)(E), 8-4724, 8-4724(7), 8-5104(a), 8-5104, 8-5115, 8-8083, 8-8094(e), 8-8094, 18-701, 18-706, 18-4750, 18-9361(a), 18-9361, 18-9362(a), 18-9362, 18-9375(b), 18-9375, 18-9377(g)(1), 18-9377, 18-9377(g), 18-9381(d), 18-9381, 18-9404(d), 18-9404, 18-9414a(a), 18-9414a, 18-9462, 18-9573(a), 18-9573, 32-1407(b), 32-1407, 32-10401, 33-1813(a)(2), 33-1813, 33-1813(a), 33-1814, 33-4110(a)(6), 33-4110, 33-4110(a)
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 8-107, 1-317(c), 1-317, 8-4512(b), 8-4512, 8-4515a, 8-4516, 8-4587, 8-4588, 8-4724(7)(E), 8-4724, 8-4724(7), 8-5104(a), 8-5104, 8-5115, 8-8083, 8-8094(e), 8-8094, 18-701, 18-706, 18-4750, 18-9361(a), 18-9361, 18-9362(a), 18-9362, 18-9375(b), 18-9375, 18-9377(g)(1), 18-9377, 18-9377(g), 18-9381(d), 18-9381, 18-9404(d), 18-9404, 18-9414a(a), 18-9414a, 18-9462, 18-9573(a), 18-9573, 32-1407(b), 32-1407, 32-10401, 33-1813(a)(2), 33-1813, 33-1813(a), 33-1814, 33-4110(a)(6), 33-4110, 33-4110(a)
As Enacted: 8-107, 1-317(c), 1-317, 8-4512(b), 8-4512, 8-4515a, 8-4516, 8-4587, 8-4588, 8-4724(7)(E), 8-4724, 8-4724(7), 8-5104(a), 8-5104, 8-5115, 8-8083, 8-8094(e), 8-8094, 18-701, 18-706, 18-4750, 18-9361(a), 18-9361, 18-9362(a), 18-9362, 18-9375(b), 18-9375, 18-9377(g)(1), 18-9377, 18-9377(g), 18-9381(d), 18-9381, 18-9404(d), 18-9404, 18-9414a(a), 18-9414a, 18-9462, 18-9573(a), 18-9573, 32-1407(b), 32-1407, 32-10401, 33-1813(a)(2), 33-1813, 33-1813(a), 33-1814, 33-4110(a)(6), 33-4110, 33-4110(a)