The bill H.611 introduces various amendments to the laws governing the Department of Vermont Health Access, focusing on prescription drug cost transparency, Medicaid eligibility, and the establishment of advisory committees. Key changes include the definition of "health insurer" to specifically exclude Vermont Medicaid and the requirement for health insurers to create annual lists of prescription drugs that have seen significant cost increases. The Office of the Attorney General is tasked with identifying the top 15 drugs based on spending across payers and requiring manufacturers to justify any net cost increases. Additionally, the bill repeals certain provisions regarding 340B drug pricing and modifies the structure and membership of the Medicaid and Exchange Advisory Committee.

Other notable amendments include increasing the limit on prepaid burial arrangements for Medicaid eligibility from $10,000 to $15,000, subject to federal approval, and extending the timeline for the Department of Vermont Health Access to seek a state plan amendment for Medicaid coverage of doula services from 2026 to 2027. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with specific provisions having different effective dates based on the completion of necessary rulemaking processes.

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