The bill H.267, introduced by Representative McFaun, aims to establish the Vermont Hospital Security Plan, which will provide Vermont residents with access to hospital care and coverage for health care services received in hospitals. The plan includes the development of a global hospital budget for the state and individual budgets for each hospital, with the goal of reducing hospital billing processes and administrative costs. The Agency of Human Services will administer the plan, ensuring that eligible Vermonters receive coverage for services not covered by existing publicly funded health care programs. The bill also outlines provisions for payments to hospitals, including those outside Vermont, and establishes a Vermont Hospital Security Trust Fund to finance these services.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to align with the new hospital security plan, including criteria for granting certificates of need and ensuring that individual hospital budgets are consistent with the global hospital budget. A special committee will be created to recommend funding mechanisms for the plan, considering various sources such as taxes and fees. The Secretary of Human Services is tasked with applying for federal waivers to include Medicare and Medicaid funds in the hospital security trust fund. The act is set to take effect upon passage, with the plan to be implemented by January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-9437, 18-9456(c), 18-9456