H.185 is a bill introduced in Vermont that aims to establish a universal primary care program under the direction of the Green Mountain Care Board. The bill emphasizes the importance of accessible primary care for the health of Vermonters and addresses the current inadequacies in the state's healthcare system, including administrative burdens on primary care clinicians and rising healthcare costs. The General Assembly intends for this program to improve access to primary care services, reduce overall healthcare costs, and enhance the health of the population.

The bill includes several key provisions, such as the requirement for the Green Mountain Care Board to develop and implement the universal primary care program, which will provide universal access to primary care services without the need for enrollment in insurance plans. It also aims to eliminate administrative burdens for healthcare providers and insurers, define primary care services broadly, and remove cost-sharing for primary care services. Additionally, the bill outlines funding mechanisms for the program and mandates the Board to report on its progress by January 2026 and January 2027, with the program set to begin operation by January 1, 2028.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-9375(b), 18-9375