VT H0267

Establishes the Vermont Hospital Security Plan to provide all Vermont residents with coverage for health care services received at hospitals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, with implementation by January 1, 2027

Creates a global hospital budget system where the Green Mountain Care Board develops annual statewide and individual hospital budgets, capping total hospital cost growth at Consumer Price Index plus 3.5 percent, subject to General Assembly approval by January 15 each year

Establishes the Vermont Hospital Security Trust Fund to finance hospital services, funded by General Fund transfers, federal Medicaid and Medicare receipts (pending federal waiver approval), grants, and other revenue sources

Prohibits balance billing of Vermont residents for hospital services, with cost-sharing limited to income-sensitized deductibles, co-payments, or annual fees established by Agency of Human Services rule

Creates a Special Committee with legislative and executive branch members to recommend funding mechanisms by January 15, 2026, considering options including income tax, payroll tax, premiums, value-added tax, and consumption taxes