The bill aims to reform Vermont's health care system by implementing structural changes that enhance health outcomes, access to services, and care quality. It sets forth several goals, including the integration of care systems, stabilization of health care providers, and the establishment of standardized accountability metrics. Key amendments include the introduction of reference-based pricing for health care services, which will set maximum payment amounts for hospitals and potentially extend to non-hospital providers. The Green Mountain Care Board is designated to oversee these pricing strategies, ensuring alignment with Medicare rates and community-specific factors. Additionally, hospitals are required to submit standardized budget data, and the Board will evaluate these budgets with a focus on administrative costs and workforce development.

The legislation also establishes a Health Care Delivery Advisory Committee to assess the performance of Vermont's health care system and collaborate on a Statewide Health Care Delivery Strategic Plan. This plan aims to improve access to high-quality, cost-effective care and set benchmarks for affordability. The Agency of Human Services is responsible for stakeholder engagement and updating the plan every three years. Furthermore, the bill creates a Vermont Steering Committee for Comprehensive Primary Health Care and mandates the establishment of a Unified Health Data Space to enhance data sharing among providers. The Agency is tasked with facilitating collaboration among health care providers to address financial pressures and improve service efficiency, while also measuring outcomes related to the transformation of the health care system. The bill appropriates $2,200,000 for various health care initiatives and outlines a timeline for implementation and reporting.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-9375, 18-9376, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9418c, 18-9374, 3-3027, 18-9375(d)
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 18-9375, 18-9376, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9418c, 18-9374, 3-3027, 18-9375(d)
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 18-9375, 18-9376, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9418c, 18-9374, 3-3027, 18-9375(d)
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 18-9375, 18-9376, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9418c, 18-9374, 3-3027, 18-9375(d), 18-9451
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 18-9375, 18-9376, 18-9451, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9418c, 18-9374, 3-3027, 18-9375(d)
As Enacted: 18-9375, 18-9376, 18-9451, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9418c, 18-9374, 3-3027, 18-9375(d)