The bill H.433 aims to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, a publicly financed health care program designed to provide comprehensive and affordable health care for all Vermont residents. The rollout will start with primary care services in the first year, followed by preventive dental and vision care in the second year, and will expand to include additional services over a ten-year period. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of the Universal Health Care Advisory Group at the Green Mountain Care Board, which will advise the General Assembly on the sequencing and financing of health care services. The bill also prohibits health insurance plans from duplicating the coverage provided by Green Mountain Care, ensuring a streamlined approach to health care access.

Significant amendments in the bill include the insertion of specific benefits for the first two years, such as primary care and preventive dental and vision care, along with the elimination of cost-sharing requirements for these services. The bill repeals previous requirements related to the approval of the initial benefit package and economic impact analysis, thereby simplifying the implementation process. Additionally, it mandates that Green Mountain Care will cover any cost-sharing amounts exceeding those required at the time services were received, and introduces an electronic benefit card for residents to facilitate access to services. The financing of Green Mountain Care may include a payroll tax and an income tax surcharge, with the program set to begin on January 1, 2027, and the act taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-18, 8-4062