VT S0126

Vermont Act No. 68 (S.126) transforms the state's health care system by implementing reference-based pricing for hospitals by fiscal year 2027, setting maximum payment amounts based on a percentage of Medicare reimbursement rates

The Green Mountain Care Board must establish global hospital budgets for non-critical access hospitals by fiscal year 2028 and for all Vermont hospitals by fiscal year 2030, with hospitals required to reduce spending by at least 2.5% in fiscal year 2026

Creates a Statewide Health Care Delivery Strategic Plan due January 15, 2028, developed by the Agency of Human Services to set total cost of care targets, improve access to primary care and mental health services, and reduce health disparities

Establishes two new advisory bodies: an 18-member Health Care Delivery Advisory Committee to monitor system performance and set affordability benchmarks, and a 16-member Vermont Steering Committee for Comprehensive Primary Health Care

Appropriates $4.2 million in fiscal year 2026 for implementation, including $2.2 million to the Agency of Human Services for transformation planning and $2 million in hospital grants, plus authorizes three new positions at the Green Mountain Care Board