Bill > H0245

This bill expands the Green Mountain Care Board's authority to review and regulate hospital and health network budgets in Vermont. The bill broadens the Board's existing hospital budget review powers to include optional review of health network budgets, which are defined as systems comprising two or more affiliated hospitals with integrated financial and governance structures. Key provisions include authorizing the Board to investigate and potentially reduce hospital or health network monopolies or market power, establish reference-based pricing for hospitals and health networks, and impose significant administrative penalties (up to $1 million) for budget violations. The bill also requires hospitals and health networks to use a uniform accounting methodology, provide detailed financial and operational data, and operate within budgets established by the Board. Additionally, the bill aims to promote more affordable healthcare by requiring budget reviews that consider factors like Medicaid reimbursements, administrative costs, workforce development, and executive compensation. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, with budget review amendments applying to hospital fiscal year 2027, giving healthcare providers time to adapt to the new requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.245