The bill amends Vermont law to enhance prescription drug cost transparency and improve healthcare access. It defines "health insurer" and clarifies the role of the Department of Vermont Health Access in creating annual lists of prescription drugs that have experienced significant cost increases. Health insurers and the Department are required to provide these lists to the Office of the Attorney General and the Green Mountain Care Board for public dissemination. Additionally, manufacturers of the top 15 drugs identified by the Attorney General must justify any net cost increases. The bill also increases the limit on prepaid burial arrangements for Medicaid eligibility from $10,000 to $15,000, subject to federal approval, and establishes a Medicaid and Exchange Advisory Committee to advise on health policy.

Moreover, the bill mandates coverage for HIV prevention drugs without cost-sharing requirements, effective August 22, 2023, for Medicaid and other public health care assistance programs, with exceptions for federally funded programs that prohibit such coverage. It ensures that at least one FDA-approved drug in each category of pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis is covered without prior authorization. Coverage cannot be denied based on the type of healthcare professional issuing the prescription, provided they are acting within their authorized scope of practice and are enrolled as a participating provider in Vermont Medicaid. The act took effect upon passage on June 8.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-4635, 33-402, 33-1813, 33-2031
As Passed By the House -- Official: 18-4635, 33-402, 33-1813, 33-2031, 18-4682, 33-2072
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 18-4635, 18-4682, 33-402, 33-1813, 33-2031, 33-2072
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 18-4635, 33-402, 33-1813, 33-2031, 18-4682, 33-2072, 8-4077
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 18-4635, 18-4682, 33-402, 33-1813, 33-2031, 33-2072, 8-4077
As Enacted: 18-4635, 18-4682, 33-402, 33-1813, 33-2031, 33-2072, 8-4077