The bill H.611, introduced by Representative Berbeco, 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 requirement 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, and extends the timeline for seeking federal approval for Medicaid coverage of doula services.

Specific legal language changes include the insertion of definitions for "health insurer" and "manufacturer," as well as updates to the structure and responsibilities of various committees and boards. The bill also stipulates an increase in the limit for prepaid burial arrangements from $10,000 to $15,000 for Medicaid eligibility and sets a new deadline of July 1, 2028, for the Department to seek a state plan amendment for doula services coverage. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with certain provisions contingent upon federal approval.

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