Vermont S0043 proposes reference-based pricing and cost-containment for the State employees’ health plan.

Vermont S0043 mandates the Department of Human Resources to implement a reference-based pricing program for inpatient and outpatient hospital services in the State employees’ health plan. It also limits the annual growth rate of premiums to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for medical care in the Northeast region. The bill requires the Secretary to report annually on the effect of the pricing program on the cost of the group hospital-surgical-medical expense insurance for State employees. The act takes effect on January 1, 2026, with the first report due by March 15, 2027.

Vermont S0043 proposes reference-based pricing and cost-containment for the State employees’ health plan.

Vermont S0043 mandates the Department of Human Resources to implement a reference-based pricing program for inpatient and outpatient hospital services in the State employees’ health plan. It also limits the annual growth rate of premiums to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for medical care in the Northeast region. The bill requires the Secretary to report annually on the effect of the pricing program on the cost of the group hospital-surgical-medical expense insurance for State employees. The act takes effect on January 1, 2026, with the first report due by March 15, 2027.