Vermont Business Magazine Representative Brian Cina is introducing legislation to establish universal health care starting with primary care and mental health. More than 40 members of the House have enthusiastically signed on as co-sponsors so far. Senator Chris Bray has introduced a supporting bill in the Senate.
According to Cina’s release, the health system is in crisis. Vermonters are struggling with low-cost insurance plans and delinquent medical bills. Self-reporting of care and medication is now common. Primary care physicians are struggling with inadequate reimbursement, increased litigation, and increased regulatory burden. The mental health care system is stressed to the breaking point. Accountable Care Organizations have spent a lot of money without showing it. Hospitals are in financial trouble. Shortage of staff results in longer waiting times for patients. The collapse of our health care system has been a tragedy for all of us.
A solution to the economic crisis is needed, and the community is building on a proposal to review the unshakable principles that have not been enshrined in the Vermont Constitution since it was enacted in 2011. Principle #1 (18 VSA §9371) states: “The State of Vermont must ensure that all Vermonters have access to high-quality and clinically necessary medical care.”
Other principles in the law of health care reform are related to cost reduction, transparency, efficiency, accountability, and preservation of primary care. Unfortunately, in recent years, the Legislature has not implemented all the principles that were established 10 years ago and has implemented a system that is full of expensive leadership instead of proven methods that are used around the world to reduce bureaucracy, save money, and provide care to people. all of them.
Representative Cina and Senator Bray have asked the leadership of the House and Senate, the chairs of the health committee in both chambers, and policy makers in the executive branch to recognize the urgency of this matter. Both Cina and Bray believe that Vermonters need to have a serious discussion on this issue, think boldly and wisely, and ultimately, take legislative action to control spending, rebuild critical health infrastructure, and make health care universal.
Journalists and other journalists are invited to learn more about the proposal and ask questions at a press conference/journalist scheduled for Thursday January 26, 2023 in the Cedar Creek Room, on the second floor of the State House.
What: Press / Media Conference; open to the public
Date and Time: Thursday January 26, 2023 Noon
Location: Cedar Creek Room, 2nd Floor, Vermont Statehouse
Speakers:
Representative Brian Cina, P/D, Burlington
Senator Chris Bray, D, Addison District
Bill Schubart (author, political commentator)
Mollie Willis (attorney, Rural Vermont)
Liz Schlegel (The Alchemist Foundation)
Dr. Allan Ramsay, MD (former Green Mountain Care Board member)
Liz Medina (Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, invitee)
