Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted

S 126 — An act relating to health care payment and delivery system reform

Last action — Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 12, 2025

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 18, 2025. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Phil Scott (Republican) on June 13, 2025.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 70% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

586 added · 557 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill S.126 includes new provisions that aim to improve how healthcare pricing is regulated and assessed. Specifically, it emphasizes public outreach by requiring the solicitation of public comments on hospital costs and proposed budgets. This change matters because it encourages community involvement in healthcare pricing decisions, potentially leading to more transparency and responsiveness to public needs. By allowing for public feedback, the bill seeks to create a system that is better aligned with the interests of the community.

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AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 1 of 30 S.126 An act relating to health care payment and delivery system reform It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 1 of 32 S.126 Introduced by Committee on Health and Welfare Date:
March 18, 2025 Subject:
Health;
health care reform;
Green Mountain Care Board;
Agency of Human Services;
Statewide Health Care Delivery Plan;
health information technology;
hospitals Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to enact certain health care payment and delivery system reforms.
An act relating to health care payment and delivery system reform It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
(3) stabilizing health care providers, reducing commercial health insurance premiums, and managing hospital costs based on the total cost of care, beginning with reference-based pricing and continuing on to global hospital budgets;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 2 of 32 (3) stabilizing health care providers, reducing commercial health insurance premiums, and managing hospital costs based on the total cost of care, beginning with reference-based pricing and continuing on to global hospital budgets;
* * * Hospital Budgets and Payment Reform * * * VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 2 of 30 Sec.
* * * Hospital Budgets and Payment Reform * * * Sec.
§ 9375 is amended to read:
§ 9375 is amended to read:
chapter 25, methodologies for achieving payment reform and containing costs that may include the participation of Medicare and Medicaid, which may include the creation of health care professional cost-containment targets, reference-based pricing, global payments, bundled payments, global budgets, risk-adjusted capitated payments, or other uniform payment methods and amounts for integrated delivery systems, health care professionals, or other provider arrangements.
chapter 25, methodologies for achieving payment reform and containing costs that may include the participation of Medicare and Medicaid, which may include the BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 3 of 32 creation of health care professional cost-containment targets, reference-based pricing, global payments, bundled payments, global budgets, risk-adjusted capitated payments, or other uniform payment methods and amounts for integrated delivery systems, health care professionals, or other provider arrangements.
* * * VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 3 of 30 (5) Set rates for health care professionals pursuant to section 9376 of this title, to be implemented over time beginning with reference-based pricing as soon as practicable, but not later than 2027, and make adjustments to the rules on reimbursement methodologies as needed.
* * * (5) Set rates for health care professionals pursuant to section 9376 of this title, to be implemented over time beginning with reference-based pricing as soon as practicable, but not later than 2027, and make adjustments to the rules on reimbursement methodologies as needed.
Beginning not later than hospital fiscal year 2028, the Board shall establish global hospital budgets for one or more Vermont hospitals that are not critical access hospitals.
Beginning not later BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 4 of 32 than hospital fiscal year 2028, the Board shall establish global hospital budgets for one or more Vermont hospitals that are not critical access hospitals.
* * * VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 4 of 30 Sec.
* * * Sec.
§ 9376 is amended to read:
§ 9376 is amended to read:
(1) The Board shall set reasonable rates for health care professionals, health care provider bargaining groups created pursuant to section 9409 of this title, manufacturers of prescribed products, medical supply companies, and other companies providing health services or health supplies based on methodologies pursuant to section 9375 of this title, in order to have a consistent reimbursement amount accepted by these persons.
(1) The Board shall set reasonable rates for health care professionals, health care provider bargaining groups created pursuant to section 9409 of this title, manufacturers of prescribed products, medical supply companies, and other companies providing health services or health supplies based on methodologies pursuant to section 9375 of this title, in order to have a BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 5 of 32 consistent reimbursement amount accepted by these persons.
In establishing rates, the Board may consider legitimate differences in costs among health care professionals, such as the cost of VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 5 of 30 providing a specific necessary service or services that may not be available elsewhere in the State, and the need for health care professionals in particular areas of the State, particularly in underserved geographic or practice shortage areas.
In establishing rates, the Board may consider legitimate differences in costs among health care professionals, such as the cost of providing a specific necessary service or services that may not be available elsewhere in the State, and the need for health care professionals in particular areas of the State, particularly in underserved geographic or practice shortage areas.
Such methodologies shall be consistent with payment reform and with evidence-based practices, and may include fee-for-service payments if the Board determines such payments to be appropriate.
Such methodologies shall be consistent with payment BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 6 of 32 reform and with evidence-based practices, and may include fee-for-service payments if the Board determines such payments to be appropriate.
To the extent required to avoid federal antitrust violations and in furtherance of the policy identified in subsection (a) of this section, the Board shall facilitate and supervise the participation of health care VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 6 of 30 professionals and health care provider bargaining groups in the process described in subsection (b) of this section.
To the extent required to avoid federal antitrust violations and in furtherance of the policy identified in subsection (a) of this section, the Board shall facilitate and supervise the participation of health care professionals and health care provider bargaining groups in the process described in subsection (b) of this section.
The purposes of reference-based pricing are to contain costs and to move health care professionals toward a site- neutral pricing structure while also allowing the Board to differentiate prices among health care professionals based on factors such as demographics, population health in a given hospital service area, payer mix, acuity, social risk factors, and a specific health care professional’s role in Vermont’s health care system.
The purposes of reference-based pricing are to contain costs and to move health care professionals toward a site-neutral pricing structure while also allowing the Board to differentiate prices among health care professionals based on factors such as demographics, population health in a given hospital service area, payer mix, acuity, social risk factors, and a specific health care professional’s role in Vermont’s health care system.
(2)(A) Reference-based prices established pursuant to this subsection (e) shall be based on a percentage of the Medicare reimbursement rate for the same or a similar item or service, provided that after the Board establishes initial prices that are referenced to Medicare, the Board may opt to update the prices in the future based on a reasonable rate of growth that is separate from VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 7 of 30 Medicare rates, such as the Medicare Economic Index measure of inflation, in order to provide predictability and consistency for health care professionals and payers and to protect against federal funding pressures that may impact Medicare rates in an unpredictable manner.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 7 of 32 (2)(A) Reference-based prices established pursuant to this subsection (e) shall be based on a percentage of the Medicare reimbursement rate for the same or a similar item or service, provided that after the Board establishes initial prices that are referenced to Medicare, the Board may opt to update the prices in the future based on a reasonable rate of growth that is separate from Medicare rates, such as the Medicare Economic Index measure of inflation, in order to provide predictability and consistency for health care professionals and payers and to protect against federal funding pressures that may impact Medicare rates in an unpredictable manner.
(B) The Board shall implement reference-based pricing in a manner that does not allow hospitals to charge or collect from patients any amount in excess of the reference-based amount established by the Board for the item provided or service delivered.
(B) The Board shall implement reference-based pricing in a manner that does not allow hospitals to charge or collect from patients any amount in BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 8 of 32 excess of the reference-based amount established by the Board for the item provided or service delivered.
(C) The Board, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Regulation, shall monitor the implementation of reference-based pricing to ensure that any decreased prices paid to hospitals result in commensurate VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 8 of 30 decreases in health insurance premiums.
(C) The Board, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Regulation, shall monitor the implementation of reference-based pricing to ensure that any decreased prices paid to hospitals result in commensurate decreases in health insurance premiums.
Sec.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 9 of 32 Sec.
§ 9454 is amended to read:
§ 9454 is amended to read:
and VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 9 of 30 (7) the number of employees of the hospital whose duties are primarily administrative in nature, as defined by the Board, and the number of employees whose duties primarily involve delivering health care services directly to hospital patients;
and (7) the number of employees of the hospital whose duties are primarily administrative in nature, as defined by the Board, and the number of employees whose duties primarily involve delivering health care services directly to hospital patients;
and other nonhospital aspects of Vermont’s health and human services systems that affect population health outcomes, including the social drivers of health;
and other nonhospital aspects of BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 10 of 32 Vermont’s health and human services systems that affect population health outcomes, including the social drivers of health;
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 10 of 30 Sec.
Sec.
§ 9456 is amended to read:
§ 9456 is amended to read:
(3)(4) consider the expenditure analysis for the previous year and the proposed expenditure analysis for the year under review;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 11 of 32 (3)(4) consider the expenditure analysis for the previous year and the proposed expenditure analysis for the year under review;
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 11 of 30 (7) exclude revenue derived from primary care, mental health care, and substance use disorder treatment services when determining a hospital’s net patient revenue and any total cost of care targets;
(7) exclude revenue derived from primary care, mental health care, and substance use disorder treatment services when determining a hospital’s net patient revenue and any total cost of care targets;
(9)(12) require each hospital to file an analysis that reflects a reduction in net revenue needs from non-Medicaid payers equal to any anticipated increase in Medicaid, Medicare, or another public health care program reimbursements, and to any reduction in bad debt or charity care due to an increase in the number of insured individuals;
(9)(12) require each hospital to file an analysis that reflects a reduction in net revenue needs from non-Medicaid payers equal to any anticipated increase in Medicaid, Medicare, or another public health care program BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 12 of 32 reimbursements, and to any reduction in bad debt or charity care due to an increase in the number of insured individuals;
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 12 of 30 (11)(14) require each hospital to create or maintain connectivity to the State’s Health Information Exchange Network in accordance with the criteria established by the Vermont Information Technology Leaders, Inc., pursuant to subsection 9352(i) of this title, provided that the Board shall not require a hospital to create a level of connectivity that the State’s Exchange is unable to support;
(11)(14) require each hospital to create or maintain connectivity to the State’s Health Information Exchange Network in accordance with the criteria established by the Vermont Information Technology Leaders, Inc., pursuant to subsection 9352(i) of this title, provided that the Board shall not require a hospital to create a level of connectivity that the State’s Exchange is unable to support;
and (17) consider the number of employees of the hospital whose duties are primarily administrative in nature, as defined by the Board, compared with the number of employees whose duties primarily involve delivering health care services directly to hospital patients.
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 13 of 32 (17) consider the number of employees of the hospital whose duties are primarily administrative in nature, as defined by the Board, compared with the number of employees whose duties primarily involve delivering health care services directly to hospital patients.
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 13 of 30 (c) Individual hospital budgets established under this section shall:
(c) Individual hospital budgets established under this section shall:
and (8) include meaningful variable payments and incentive plans for hospitals that are consistent with this section and with the principles for health care reform expressed in section 9371 of this title.
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 14 of 32 (8) include meaningful variable payments and incentive plans for hospitals that are consistent with this section and with the principles for health care reform expressed in section 9371 of this title.
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VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 14 of 30 (d)(1)(A) Annually, the Board shall establish a budget for each hospital on or before September 15, followed by a written decision by October 1.
(d)(1)(A) Annually, the Board shall establish a budget for each hospital on or before September 15, followed by a written decision by October 1.
(2)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (D) of this subdivision (2), a hospital that proposes to reduce or eliminate any service in order to comply with a budget established under this section shall provide a notice of intent to the Board, the Agency of Human Services, the Office of the Health Care Advocate, and the members of the General Assembly who represent the VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 15 of 30 hospital service area not less than 90 days prior to the proposed reduction or elimination.
(2)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (D) of this subdivision (2), a hospital that proposes to reduce or eliminate any service in order to comply with a budget established under this section shall provide a notice of intent to BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 15 of 32 the Board, the Agency of Human Services, the Office of the Health Care Advocate, and the members of the General Assembly who represent the hospital service area not less than 90 days prior to the proposed reduction or elimination.
§ 501(r)(3).
§ 501(r)(3).
(3) The Board, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Regulation, shall monitor the implementation of any authorized decrease in hospital services to determine its benefits to Vermonters or to Vermont’s health care system, or both.
(3) The Board, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Regulation, shall monitor the implementation of any authorized decrease in BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 16 of 32 hospital services to determine its benefits to Vermonters or to Vermont’s health care system, or both.
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 16 of 30 (4) The Board may establish a process to define, on an annual basis, criteria for hospitals to meet, such as utilization and inflation benchmarks.
(4) The Board may establish a process to define, on an annual basis, criteria for hospitals to meet, such as utilization and inflation benchmarks.
§ 9458 is added to read:
§ 9458 is added to read:
§ 9458.
§ 9458.
and (2) whether the existence and operation of a network provides value to Vermonters, is in the public interest, and is consistent with the principles for VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 17 of 30 health care reform expressed in section 9371 of this title and with the Statewide Health Care Delivery Plan, once established.
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 17 of 32 (2) whether the existence and operation of a network provides value to Vermonters, is in the public interest, and is consistent with the principles for health care reform expressed in section 9371 of this title and with the Statewide Health Care Delivery Plan, once established.
§ 9418c is amended to read:
§ 9418c is amended to read:
FAIR CONTRACT STANDARDS * * * (e) The requirements of subdivision (b)(5) of this section do not prohibit a contracting entity from requiring a reasonable confidentiality agreement between the provider and the contracting entity regarding the terms of the proposed health care contract.
FAIR CONTRACT STANDARDS * * * (e) The requirements of subdivision (b)(5) of this section do not prohibit a contracting entity from requiring a reasonable confidentiality agreement BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 18 of 32 between the provider and the contracting entity regarding the terms of the proposed health care contract.
Upon request, a contracting entity or provider VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 18 of 30 shall provide an unredacted copy of an executed or proposed health care contract to the Department of Financial Regulation or the Green Mountain Care Board, or both.
Upon request, a contracting entity or provider shall provide an unredacted copy of an executed or proposed health care contract to the Department of Financial Regulation or the Green Mountain Care Board, or both.
§ 9403 is added to read:
§ 9403 is added to read:
§ 9403.
§ 9403.
(3) Strive to make mental health services, substance use disorder treatment services, emergency medical services, nonemergency medical VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 19 of 30 services, and nonmedical services and supports available in each region of Vermont.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 19 of 32 (3) Strive to make mental health services, substance use disorder treatment services, emergency medical services, nonemergency medical services, and nonmedical services and supports available in each region of Vermont.
(C) the State Health Improvement Plan adopted pursuant to subsection 9405(a) of this title;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 20 of 32 (C) the State Health Improvement Plan adopted pursuant to subsection 9405(a) of this title;
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 20 of 30 (D) the Health Resource Allocation Plan published by the Green Mountain Care Board in accordance with subsection 9405(b) of this title;
(D) the Health Resource Allocation Plan published by the Green Mountain Care Board in accordance with subsection 9405(b) of this title;
and (C) federal, State, and other barriers to achieving the Plan’s goals and, to the extent feasible, how those barriers can be removed or mitigated.
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 21 of 32 (C) federal, State, and other barriers to achieving the Plan’s goals and, to the extent feasible, how those barriers can be removed or mitigated.
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 21 of 30 (c) The Green Mountain Care Board shall contribute data and expertise related to its regulatory duties and its efforts pursuant to 2022 Acts and Resolves No.
(c) The Green Mountain Care Board shall contribute data and expertise related to its regulatory duties and its efforts pursuant to 2022 Acts and Resolves No.
§ 9403a is added to read:
§ 9403a is added to read:
§ 9403a.
§ 9403a.
HEALTH CARE DELIVERY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (a) There is created the Health Care Delivery Advisory Committee to:
HEALTH CARE DELIVERY ADVISORY COMMITTEE BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 22 of 32 (a) There is created the Health Care Delivery Advisory Committee to:
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 22 of 30 (1) establish affordability benchmarks, including for affordability of commercial health insurance;
(1) establish affordability benchmarks, including for affordability of commercial health insurance;
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 23 of 30 (D) one representative of commercial health insurers offering major medical health insurance plans in Vermont, selected by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 23 of 32 (D) one representative of commercial health insurers offering major medical health insurance plans in Vermont, selected by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation;
and VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 24 of 30 (M) one representative of long-term care facilities, selected by the Vermont Health Care Association.
and BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 24 of 32 (M) one representative of long-term care facilities, selected by the Vermont Health Care Association.
§ 9353 is added to read:
§ 9353 is added to read:
§ 9353.
§ 9353.
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 25 of 30 (4) determine how best to integrate clinical data, claims data, and data regarding social drivers of health and health-related social needs;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 25 of 32 (4) determine how best to integrate clinical data, claims data, and data regarding social drivers of health and health-related social needs;
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 26 of 30 (e) On or before January 15 annually, the Agency of Human Services shall provide an update to the House Committees on Health Care and on Human Services and the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare regarding the development and implementation of the integrated system of clinical and claims data in accordance with this section.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 26 of 32 (e) On or before January 15 annually, the Agency of Human Services shall provide an update to the House Committees on Health Care and on Human Services and the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare regarding the development and implementation of the integrated system of clinical and claims data in accordance with this section.
§ 9374 is amended to read:
§ 9374 is amended to read:
(2) Each witness who appears before the Chair under subpoena shall receive a fee and mileage as provided for witnesses in civil cases in Superior VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 27 of 30 Courts;
(2) Each witness who appears before the Chair under subpoena shall receive a fee and mileage as provided for witnesses in civil cases in Superior BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 27 of 32 Courts;
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 28 of 30 * * * Implementation Updates * * * Sec.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 28 of 32 * * * Implementation Updates * * * Sec.
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 29 of 30 Sec.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 29 of 32 Sec.
§ 3027 is amended to read:
§ 3027 is amended to read:
§ 9403, advance health care data integration as set forth in 18 V.S.A.
§ 9403, advance health care data integration as set forth in 18 V.S.A.
§ 9353, and coordinate hospital transformation activities pursuant to 2022 Acts and Resolves No.
§ 9353, and coordinate hospital transformation activities pursuant to 2022 Acts and Resolves No.
§ 9375(d) is amended to read:
§ 9375(d) is amended to read:
VT LEG #382250 v.1 AS PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 30 of 30 (1) The report shall include:
(1) The report shall include:
* * * (G) the status of its efforts to establish methodologies for and begin implementation of reference-based pricing and development of global hospital budgets, and the effects of these efforts and activities on Vermonters and on Vermont’s health care system;
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 30 of 32 * * * (G) the status of its efforts to establish methodologies for and begin implementation of reference-based pricing and development of global hospital budgets, and the effects of these efforts and activities on Vermonters and on Vermont’s health care system;
* * * * * * Effective Date * * * Sec.
* * * * * * Positions;
Appropriations * * * Sec.
GREEN MOUNTAIN CARE BOARD;
AGENCY OF HUMAN SERVICES;
POSITIONS (a)(1) The establishment of the following five new permanent classified positions is authorized at the Green Mountain Care Board in fiscal year 2026:
(A) one Director, Global Budgets;
(B) one Project Manager, Global Budgets;
(C) one Director, Reference-Based Pricing;
(D) one Project Manager, Reference-Based Pricing;
and (E) one Staff Attorney.
(2) The establishment of the following two classified limited-service positions is authorized at the Agency of Human Services in fiscal year 2026:
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 31 of 32 (A) one Health Care Reform (HCR) Integration Manager;
and (B) one Administrative Services Director II.
(3) These positions shall be transferred and converted from existing vacant positions in the Executive Branch.
(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to authorize the establishment of an additional five new permanent positions at the Green Mountain Care Board in fiscal year 2027 and another five new permanent positions in fiscal year 2028.
Sec.
18.
APPROPRIATIONS (a) The sum of $1,525,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund to the Agency of Human Services in fiscal year 2026 for use as follows:
(1) $250,000.00 for grants to hospitals as needed for transformation efforts initiated pursuant to 2022 Acts and Resolves No.
167 and to transition their systems to implement reference-based pricing;
(2) $100,000.00 for expenses associated with development of the Statewide Health Care Delivery Plan;
(3) $1,000,000.00 for contracts for consultants and other expenses associated with implementation of this act;
and (4) $175,000.00 for the positions authorized in Sec.
17(a)(2) of this act.
BILL AS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.126 Page 32 of 32 (b) The sum of $250,000.00 is appropriated from the Health IT-Fund to the Agency of Human Services in fiscal year 2026 for grants to health care providers for data integration in accordance with Sec.
10 of this act.
(c) The sum of $1,350,000.00 is appropriated from the General Fund to the Green Mountain Care Board in fiscal year 2026 for use as follows:
(1) $850,000.00 for the positions authorized in Sec.
17(a)(1) of this act;
and (2) $500,000.00 for contracts, including contracts for assistance with implementing reference-based pricing in accordance with this act.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of 32 V.S.A.
§ 10301 to the contrary, the sum of $150,000.00 is appropriated from the Health IT-Fund to the Green Mountain Care Board in fiscal year 2026 for expenses associated with increased standardization of electronic hospital budget data submissions in accordance with Sec.
4 of this act.
* * * Effective Dates * * * Sec.
19.
EFFECTIVE DATES (a) Secs.
17 (positions) and 18 (appropriations) shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
(b) The remaining sections shall take effect on passage.
* * * Effective Date * * * Sec.
17.
VT LEG #382250 v.1
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Amendments

2 amendments

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Action History

  1. Senate Message: Signed by Governor June 12, 2025

  2. Signed by Governor on June 12, 2025

  3. Delivered to Governor on June 6, 2025

  4. Senate Message: Report of Committee of Conference adopted

  5. Rules suspended & ordered delivered to Governor forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth

  6. As passed by Senate and House

  7. Committee of Conference report adopted

  8. Committee of Conference report submitted by Senator Lyons for Committee, text

  9. Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth

  10. Committee of Conference report

  11. Entered on Notice Calendar

  12. House message: House adopted Conference Committee report

  13. Rules suspended and bill messaged forthwith to the Senate as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney

  14. Committee of Conference report adopted (Senate bill)

  15. Rules suspended and taken up for immediate consideration as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney

  16. Notice Calendar: Report of Committee of Conference

  17. House message: House appointed Conference Committee members

  18. Speaker appointed Reps. Black of Essex, McFaun of Barre Town, and Berbeco of Winooski as members of the Committee of Conference on the part of the House

  19. Senate Message: House proposal of amendment not concurred in and Committee of Conference appointed

  20. Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth

  21. Committee of Conference appointed: Senators Lyons, Gulick, and Douglass

  22. House proposal of amendment not concurred in; Committee of Conference requested, on motion of Senator Lyons

  23. House proposal of amendment; text

  24. Rules suspended & taken up for immediate consideration, on motion of Senator Baruth

  25. House proposal of amendment

  26. Entered on Notice Calendar

  27. House message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment

  28. Rules suspended and bill messaged forthwith to the Senate as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney

  29. Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 69 of 137 to Pass -- Yeas = 99, Nays = 38

  30. Read third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

  31. Rep. Black of Essex demanded yeas and nays

  32. Action Calendar: Third Reading

  33. Third Reading ordered

  34. Report of Committee on Health Care, as amended, agreed to

  35. Which was disagreed to

  36. Division results Yeas, 18; Nays, 115

  37. Division demanded

  38. Rep. Donahue of Northfield moved to amend the report of the Committee on Health Care, as amended

  39. Rep. Donahue of Northfield, Bos-Lun of Westminster, Burrows of West Windsor, Carris-Duncan of Whitingham, Cole of Hartford, Dodge of Essex, Galfetti of Barre Town, Gregoire of Fairfield, Headrick of Burlington, LaMont of Morristown, Maguire of Rutland City, McGill of Bridport, Minier of South Burlington, Noyes of Wolcott, Rachelson of Burlington, Sibilia of Dover, and Stevens of Waterbury moved to amend the report of the Committee on Health Care, as amended, which was agreed to

  40. Report of the Committee on Health Care amended as recommended by the Committee on Appropriations

  41. Rep. Yacovone of Morristown recommended for the Committee on Appropriations

  42. Rep. Black of Essex reported for the Committee on Health Care

  43. Read second time

  44. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  45. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  46. Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a)

  47. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  48. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care

  49. Read 3rd time & passed

  50. New Business/Third Reading

  51. 3rd reading ordered

  52. Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations agreed to

  53. Reported favorably by Senator Lyons for Committee on Appropriations with recommendation of amendment

  54. Read 2nd time

  55. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations

  56. Committee Bill for Second Reading

  57. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

  58. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations

  59. Committee Bill for Second Reading

  60. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

  61. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations

  62. Committee Bill for Second Reading

  63. New Business/Second Reading

  64. Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Appropriations

  65. Committee Bill for Second Reading

  66. Entered on Notice Calendar

  67. Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31

  68. Rules suspended on motion of Senator Baruth

  69. Committee bill read first time & placed on Notice Calendar per Senate Rule 48

Sponsors

  • Senate Committee on Health and Welfare · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 189 not signed on · 37 voted No

Sponsors (1)

  • Senate Committee on Health and Welfare

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (189)

189 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 189 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Which was agreed to on a Roll Call Passed -- Needed 69 of 137 to Pass -- Yeas = 99, Nays = 38

Passed 99 Yea · 38 Nay · 13 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 75006
Republican 153403
Unaffiliated 3102
Independent 4100
Progressive/Democrat 2001
Republican/Democrat 0201
Total 9938013
% of votes cast 66%25%0%9%
How each member voted (150)
Member Party Vote
Casey — Yea
Hooper — Yea
White — Yea
Casey — Nay
Hooper — Not Voting
White — Not Voting
Abbey Duke Democrat Yea
Alice M. M Emmons Democrat Yea
Alyssa Black Democrat Yea
Amy D Sheldon Democrat Yea
Angela Arsenault Democrat Yea
Barbara Rachelson Democrat Yea
Bram Kleppner Democrat Yea
Brian Minier Democrat Yea
Bridget M Burkhardt Democrat Yea
Carol Ode Democrat Not Voting
Charles A Kimbell Democrat Yea
Chea Waters Evans Democrat Yea
Christopher Morrow Democrat Yea
Daisy Berbeco Democrat Not Voting
Daniel A Noyes Democrat Yea
Dara Torre Democrat Yea
David K Durfee Democrat Yea
David W Yacovone Democrat Yea
Doug Bishop Democrat Yea
Edward "Teddy" Waszazak Democrat Yea
Edye Graning Democrat Yea
Ela Chapin Democrat Yea
Elizabeth L Burrows Democrat Yea
Emilie K Kornheiser Democrat Yea
Emilie Krasnow Democrat Not Voting
Emily Carris Duncan Democrat Yea
Emily J Long Democrat Yea
Erin Brady Democrat Yea
Esme Cole Democrat Yea
Gayle S Pezzo Democrat Yea
Golrang "Rey" Garofano Democrat Yea
Heather Surprenant Democrat Yea
Herb Olson Democrat Yea
Ian Goodnow Democrat Yea
James W Masland Democrat Yea
Jill L Krowinski Democrat Not Voting
John K O'Brien Democrat Yea
John L Bartholomew Democrat Yea
Jonathan Cooper Democrat Yea
Jubilee McGill Democrat Yea
Karen N Dolan Democrat Yea
Kate Lalley Democrat Yea
Kate McCann Democrat Yea
Kate Nugent Democrat Yea
Kathleen C James Democrat Yea
Kevin "Coach" B Christie Democrat Yea
Kristi C Morris Democrat Yea
Larry Satcowitz Democrat Yea
Leanne Harple Democrat Yea
Leonora Dodge Democrat Yea
Leslie Goldman Democrat Yea
Lori Houghton Democrat Yea
Lucy Boyden Democrat Yea
Marc B Mihaly Democrat Yea
Mari K Cordes Democrat Yea
Martin J LaLonde Democrat Yea
Mary E. E Howard Democrat Not Voting
Mary-Katherine A Stone Democrat Yea
Matthew J Birong Democrat Yea
Michael Mrowicki Democrat Yea
Michael Nigro Democrat Yea
Michelle Bos-Lun Democrat Yea
Mollie S. S Burke Democrat Yea
Monique Priestley Democrat Yea
Peter C Conlon Democrat Yea
Phil Pouech Democrat Yea
R. Scott Campbell Democrat Not Voting
Rebecca Holcombe Democrat Yea
Robert Hunter Democrat Yea
Robin P Scheu Democrat Yea
Sarah "Sarita" C Austin Democrat Yea
Saudia LaMont Democrat Yea
Shawn Sweeney Democrat Yea
Theresa A Wood Democrat Yea
Thomas S Stevens Democrat Yea
Tiffany Bluemle Democrat Yea
Timothy R. R Corcoran II Democrat Yea
Trevor J Squirrell Democrat Yea
Wendy A Critchlow Democrat Yea
William "Will" Greer Democrat Yea
Zon Eastes Democrat Yea
Anne B. B Donahue Independent Yea
Jed Lipsky Independent Yea
Joseph Parsons Independent Nay
Laura H Sibilia Independent Yea
Troy Headrick Independent Yea
Brian J Cina Progressive/Democrat Not Voting
Chloe Tomlinson Progressive/Democrat Yea
Kate Logan Progressive/Democrat Yea
Allen "Penny" R Demar Republican Nay
Anthony "Tony" Micklus Republican Yea
Beth M Quimby Republican Yea
Brenda Steady Republican Nay
Carolyn W Branagan Republican Nay
Casey J Toof Republican Nay
Chris A Taylor Republican Yea
Chris Brown Republican Yea
Chris Keyser Republican Yea
Christopher "Chris" A Pritchard Republican Nay
Christopher Howland Republican Nay
David "Dave" Bosch Republican Nay
Deborah "Debbie" C Dolgin Republican Nay
Debra L Powers Republican Nay
Eileen G Dickinson Republican Nay
Eric Maguire Republican Yea
Francis M McFaun Republican Yea
Gina M Galfetti Republican Yea
Gregory "Greg" Burtt Republican Not Voting
James A Gregoire Republican Nay
Jim F Harrison Republican Yea
John Kascenska Republican Yea
Joseph "Joe" Luneau Republican Nay
Joshua Dobrovich Republican Nay
Kenneth "Ken" L Wells Republican Nay
Kenneth W Goslant Republican Not Voting
Kevin C Winter Republican Nay
Larry Labor Republican Nay
Leland J Morgan Republican Nay
Lisa A Hango Republican Nay
Mark A Higley Republican Nay
Martha A Feltus Republican Yea
Mary A. A Morrissey Republican Nay
Matt E Walker Republican Nay
Michael "Mike" Southworth Republican Yea
Michael "Mike" Tagliavia Republican Nay
Michael Boutin Republican Yea
Michael J Marcotte Republican Yea
Michael R Morgan Republican Nay
Patricia A McCoy Republican Nay
Richard J Bailey Republican Not Voting
Richard M Nelson Republican Nay
Rob North Republican Yea
Sandra "Sandy" H Pinsonault Republican Nay
Thomas "Tom" F Charlton Republican Nay
Thomas B Burditt Republican Nay
Todd Nielsen Republican Nay
VL L Coffin IV Republican Nay
Wayne A Laroche Republican Nay
William P Canfield Republican Nay
Woodman H Page Republican Nay
Zachary J Harvey Republican Nay
Alicia Malay Republican/Democrat Not Voting
Ashley R Bartley Republican/Democrat Nay
Thomas Oliver Republican/Democrat Nay

Official roll call →

Subjects

healthcare health-insurance
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors S 126?
S 126 is sponsored by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare.
What is the current status of S 126?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 18, 2025. Enacted.
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