Advocacy

VAHHS represents its member hospitals at the state and federal level with advocacy that ensures Vermont’s not-for-profit hospitals can continue to provide the very best care, while advancing important reforms to bring down costs for patients and strengthen our local economy.

VAHHS uses the following principles to direct all advocacy efforts:

  • Integrated Compassionate Mental Health Care

  • Access to Vermont's Top-Rated Health Care System

  • Better Health for Vermonters

  • Coordinated Care at Lower Costs

Legislative Efforts

Each legislative session in Vermont spans two years with legislators meeting from January through May. Vermont also has a citizen legislature, meaning that most Vermonters who serve also have a full-time occupation besides being a legislator. Each biennium session brings different priorities and challenges, but VAHHS is always there to provide lawmakers with the tools and perspectives they need to make informed decisions about rural health care.

Legislative Update

Read Devon’s legislative update, included in our weekly newsletter, to learn more about VAHHS’ work with the legislature.

VAHHS 2024 Bill Tracker

The status of Vermont Legislative bills are updated every Monday. To learn more about a bill, click on the bill number to be directed to its legislative page.

Bills on the Move

Bill Description Status
H.766 Claims edits, prior authorizations, step therapy, and direct billing Passed House and Senate, in danger of veto
H.721 Medicaid expansion Not advancing. Expanding eligibility of Medicare Savings Program and study in the budget
S.183 Planning for the Agency of Health Care Administration Report with recommendations
S.109/ Act 97 Sunrise Review and Medicaid coverage plan for doulas Enacted into law
S.98 GMCB plan for prescription drug costs and GMCB Member reappointment process Passed House and Senate
H.622 Emergency medical services Passed House and Senate
H.687 Act 250 Reform/Housing Passed House and Senate
H.121 Data privacy Passed House and Senate
H.741/ Act 95 Health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer Enacted into law
H.621/ Act 94 Health insurance coverage for diagnostic breast imaging Enacted into law
H.861 Pay parity for health services provided through telemedicine and audio only telephone With Governor for signature
H.847 Peer Support Provider and Recovery Support Specialists certification Passed House and Senate
S.114 Establishment of the Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Working Group Passed House and Senate

Bills Not Advancing

Bill Description Status
S.211 Health care reform and regulatory duties of the GMCB Not advancing
S.151 Pay parity and transparency in health care Not advancing
S.263 Expanding Vermont's health care workforce through graduates of international medical schools Not advancing
S.9 State auditor to examine the books and records of State contractors Not advancing
H.379 Criminal liability protection for good faith health care services Not advancing
H.80 Licensure of freestanding birth centers Not advancing