The bill S.162, introduced by Senator Lyons, proposes several modifications to the Department of Vermont Health Access, primarily focusing on Medicaid and related health programs. Key changes include the elimination of the Department's obligation to create annual lists of prescription drugs with significant price increases, which were previously provided to the Green Mountain Care Board and the Office of the Attorney General. Additionally, the bill modifies the membership structure of the Medicaid and Exchange Advisory Committee, removing the Commissioner's ability to reappoint members for additional terms. It also updates language regarding reflective health plans to reflect the separation of individual and small group health insurance markets, adjusts the composition and term lengths of the Clinical Utilization Review Board, increases the burial funds exclusion for Medicaid eligibility from $10,000 to $15,000, and extends the timeline for seeking federal approval for Medicaid coverage of doula services.

The bill includes specific legal language changes, such as defining "health insurer" and updating the roles and responsibilities of various committees and boards. For instance, the Medicaid and Exchange Advisory Committee will now include members from the Beneficiary Advisory Committee, and the Clinical Utilization Review Board will maintain a minimum of ten members with diverse medical experience. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Department of Vermont Health Access must seek a state plan amendment by 2028 to provide Medicaid coverage for doula services. Overall, these changes aim to streamline operations within the Department and enhance Medicaid services while adjusting to evolving healthcare needs.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-4635, 33-402, 33-1813, 33-2031