2015-2016 Session

Change Session

House Committee on Health Care Room 45

The House Committee on Health Care considers matters relating to health care finance and administration.

Previous Meetings - Full Report

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-1

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

1:30 PM

FLOOR

Seating; elect Canvassing Committee

3:30 PM

Committee Discussion

Welcome, organization, and to introduce staff

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Jenny Prosser, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

10:00 AM

Joint Assembly

Receive Report of the Canvassing Committee- Governor’s Election

1:30 PM

Joint Assembly

Administering Oaths and Governor’s Inaugural Message

Friday, January 9, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-2, 3, 4

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

10:00 AM

Health Care Financing

Vermont's Health Care System Overview: Payers and Players

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

11:00 AM

Health Care Reform Overview

Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

1:00 PM

Act 48 Review

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

Education Reform Efforts

House Chamber

Rebecca Holcombe, Secretary, Agency of Education

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-5, 6, 7

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

Green Mountain Care Board

Overview and update

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board

12:00 PM

Caucus

2:30 PM

Vermont Health Connect

Overview and update

Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor, Chief of Health Care Reform, Office of the Governor

3:30 PM

Medicaid Overview

Ashley Berliner, Medicaid Policy and Planning Chief, Agency of Human Services
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-8, 9

Meeting Record

8:45 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

The Economic Incidence of Health Care Spending in Vermont: The RAND report on health care spending

Catherine Benham, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Christine Eibner, Project Lead, RAND Corporation

10:30 AM

IT Training

Michael Berry, User Support Specialist, Office of Legislative Council
Albert Coccagna, User Support Specialist, Office of Legislative Council

11:00 AM

Bi-State Primary Care Association

Introduction and overview

Patrick Flood, CEO, Northern Counties Health Care
Sharon Winn, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association

11:30 AM

Health Care Advocate

Introduction and overview, Office of the Health Care Advocate

Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:00 PM

No Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-10, 11, 12, 13

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Joint with Senate Health & Welfare, Room 11. Governor's report on financing Green Mountain Care

Michael Costa, Deputy Director, Health Care Reform, Finance, Agency of Administration
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

10:15 AM

Household Insurance Survey

Joint with Senate Health & Welfare, Room 11

Brian Robertson, Director of Research, Market Decisions Research

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:00 PM

Governor's Budget Address

Joint Assembly, House Chamber

Friday, January 16, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-14

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

10:30 AM

Blueprint for Health

Overview and update.

Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

1:00 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-15, 16, 17

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

10:30 or after the Floor

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Governor's proposals for health care reform legislation

Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

12:00 PM

Caucuses

2:00 PM

IT Training

iPad training, especially iAnnotate

Michael Berry, User Support Specialist, Office of Legislative Council
Albert Coccagna, User Support Specialist, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

Vermont Health Connect

Vermont Health Connect and Premium Tax Credits--issues re income tax

Devon Green, Health Policy Analyst, Agency of Administration

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-18, 19, 20, 21, 22

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Briefing on cost sharing

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

10:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Governor's proposals for health care reform legislation

Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

11:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

1:00 PM

FLOOR

1:30 or after Floor

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Briefing on cost shift

Michael Davis, Director of Health System Finances, Green Mountain Care Board

2:30 PM

H.82 - An act relating to fiscal year 2015 budget adjustments

Dept. of Vermont Health Access

Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Mark Larson, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

3:30 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Green Mountain Care Board - Rate Setting Authority

Michael Donofrio, General Counsel, Green Mountain Care Board

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-23, 24, 25, 26

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Chiropractic Association

Brief presentation from Vt. Chiropractic Assn.

Dr. Erik Hemmett, President, Vermont Chiropractic Association
Darryl Koch, Chiropractic physician, Vermont Chiropractic Association

9:30 AM

Health Care Bill

Governor's proposals for health care reform legislation

Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

10:45 AM

Governor's Proposed FY2015 Budget Adjustment

Vermont Health Connect.
Joint hearing with House Appropriations.
Room 10

Richard Boes, Commissioner, Department of Information & Innovation
Mark Larson, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Extended Floor time expected

3:15 PM

Governor's Proposed FY2015 Budget Adjustment

Committee discussion.
(Postponed to a future time: The Vermont Health Care Innovation Project)

Rep. Mitzi Johnson, Chair, House Committee on Appropriations
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

Friday, January 23, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

10:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Presentation on Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)

Wendy Andrews
John Evans, President and CEO, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)
Robert Gibson, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)
Krystina Lachak RN, Nursing Director, The Manor
Kat Meyer RN, eHealth Specialist, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)

12:45 PM

H.82 - An act relating to fiscal year 2015 budget adjustments

Governor's Proposed FY2015 Budget Adjustment. Committee discussion; memo to House Appropriations Committee

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:30 PM

Cadillac Tax

"Cadillac Tax" in the Affordable Care Act--implications for Vermont

Joyce Manchester, Senior Economist, Joint Fiscal Office

2:30 PM

Legislative Briefing

All-caucus briefing, House Chamber. Topic: Water Quality

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-32, 33, 34, 35

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Health Care Delivery Systems: Introductory presentations from insurers and providers

Don George, CEO, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Paul Harrington, Executive Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society

12:00 PM

Caucuses

2:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Health Care Delivery Systems

Andrew Garland, Vice President, Vermont and Network Enterprise Strategy, MVP Healthcare
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

3:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Affordable Care Act, 2016 trigger re employers with 51-100 employees, buy on Exchange.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:30 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Walk-through of Governor's proposals for health care reform

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Meeting Record

7:30 AM

Vermont Legal Aid Legislative Breakfast

9:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Provisions in the Governor's health care proposals that relate to the Green Mountain Care Board

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board

11:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

SIM Grant: Vermont Health Care Innovation Project.

Georgia Maheras, Project Director, Vermont Health Care Innovation Project

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:00 PM

Physician Practices Reimbursement Report

Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Joseph Haddock, MD, Thomas Chittenden Health Center; and Board Member, Healthfirst, Inc.
Steven Kappel MPA, Principal, Policy Integrity
Kelly Lange, Director, Delivery System, Innovation and Contracting, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Dr. Paul J. Reiss, Chief Medical Officer, Healthfirst, Inc.
Kara Suter, Director of Payment Reform, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Health Care Reform Presentations, Recommended Plans. Joint with Senate Health & Welfare, Room 10

John Franco, Burlington
Traven Leyshon, Vermont Workers' Center
Deborah Richter, MD
Peter Sterling, Executive Director, Vermont Leads

10:30 AM

H.24 - An act relating to increasing subsidies in the Vermont Health Benefit Exchange and establishing a sugar-sweetened beverage tax

Rep. Paul N. Poirier, Bill Sponsor

11:00 AM

H.60 - An act relating to developing a supported State-based marketplace exchange

Tentative

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Patricia Komline, Sponsor
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Budget Adjustment Act--extended debate

1:20 PM

H.82 - An act relating to fiscal year 2015 budget adjustments

Amendments from Rep. Mary Morrissey and Rep. Mitzi Johnson

Rep. Mitzi Johnson
Rep. Mary A. Morrissey

3:30 PM

H.88 - An act relating to a public health care coverage option

Introduction

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Paul N. Poirier

Friday, January 30, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-47, 48, 49

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

[The State House Singers will be singing the Devotional]
Budget Adjustment Act

10:30 AM

Transparency and Pricing in Health Care

Doug Hoffer, State Auditor, State Auditor's Office

1:00 PM

Accountable Care Organizations

Patrick Flood, Board Chair, Community Health Accountable Care
Georgia Maheras, Project Director, Vermont Health Care Innovation Project
Todd Moore, CEO, OneCare Vermont
Dr. Paul J. Reiss, Chief Medical Officer, Healthfirst, Inc.
Richard Slusky, Director of Payment Reform, Green Mountain Care Board
Kara Suter, Director of Payment Reform, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

2:30 PM

Legislative Briefing

We will have a short presentation on 2014 tax implications of the Affordable Care Act and then the rest of the hour will be spent on the Vermont economy.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-50, 51, 52, 53

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

10:30 AM

H.490 - An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government

Overview of the budget situation; payroll tax.

Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Stephen Klein, Chief Legislative Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

11:20 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Uses for the Payroll Tax, including charts

Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office

12:00 PM

Caucuses

2:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Mental Health Care System

Jay Batra, MD, Medical Director, Department of Mental Health
Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-54, 55, 56, 57, 58

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Health Care Delivery Systems

Peter Cobb, Director, VNAs of Vermont
Jeanne Kennedy, Lobbyist, Cigna Health Care

10:00 AM

Committee Discussion

Planning for Committee's presentation on health care on Friday afternoon

11:00 AM

Miscellaneous Tax Bill

Requirement to employers to provide total health care premium information on W-2 tax forms

Devon Green, Special Counsel, Department of Taxes

1:00 PM

FLOOR

1:30 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Green Mountain Care Board--Rate Review. 2016 Health Benefit Plans Rate Filing Timeline.

Judy Henkin, Health Policy Director, Green Mountain Care Board

2:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Payroll Tax: Revenues and Plans re Expenditures

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-59, 60

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meeting

10:30 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange: Marketplace--Inside/Outside the Exchange

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

12:00 PM

Vermont Health Connect

Questions re Medicaid eligibility and income re-determinations

Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

1:00 PM

FLOOR

1:15 PM

Governor's Proposed FY2016 Budget

Proposed Budget of the Department of Vermont Health Access.
Joint meeting with the House Appropriations Committee,
Room 11
1:15 PM-4:45 PM

Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Mark Larson, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

3:30 PM

Recess for Break

3:40 PM

Governor's Proposed FY2016 Budget

Department of Vermont Health Access: Vermont Health Connect. Joint Hearing, continued, Room 11

Harry Chen, Commissioner, Department of Health
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

4:45 PM

Adjourn

Friday, February 6, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-61, 62, 63

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

10:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Cost Shift

Joyce Manchester, Senior Economist, Joint Fiscal Office

11:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Discussion with the Administration of the proposals put forth by John Franco, Deb Richter, Vt. Workers Center and Vermont LEADS

Michael Costa, Deputy Director, Health Care Reform, Finance, Agency of Administration
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

1:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Adverse Childhood Experiences--ACE. Joint meeting with the House Human Services Committee, Room 11

James Hudziak MD, Director, Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families, University of Vermont College of Medicine

2:30 PM

Legislative Briefing

Overview of Health Care Issues.
House Chamber

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-64, 65, 66

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

Bi-State Primary Care Association

Paul Bengtson, CEO, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
Doug Bouchard, Executive Director, Northeast Kingdom Human Services
Jack Donnelly, CEO, Community Health Centers of Burlington
Patrick Flood, CEO, Northern Counties Health Care
Judy Peterson, President and CEO, Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties
Lisa Viles, Executive Director, Area Agency for Aging for Northeastern Vermont
Grant Whitmer, Executive Director, Community Health Centers of Rutland
Sharon Winn, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association

12:00 PM

Caucuses

2:15 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Primary Care--Access to Providers: Access to Care and Medicaid Rates

John Olson, Rural Health and Primary Care Chief, Vermont Department of Health

3:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Governor's budget proposals, Blueprint for Health

Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-67, 68, 69, 70

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.78 - An act relating to making health insurance plans available outside the Exchange and to purchasing health insurance across state lines

Rep. Mark Higley, Lowell

9:05 AM

H.179 - An act relating to health care professionals’ rates and practice locations and establishing a health insurance market outside the Exchange

Rep. Mary A. Morrissey

9:10 AM

H.188 - An act relating to making health insurance plans available outside the Exchange

Rep. Patricia Komline

9:15 AM

H.189 - An act relating to direct enrollment in Exchange plans

Rep. Patricia Komline

9:30 AM

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Marketplace--Inside/Outside the Exchange

Betsy Bishop, President, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Rebecca Heinz, Associate General Counsel, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Judy Henkin, Assistant General Counsel, Green Mountain Care Board
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Tom Rugg, Principal--Senior Vice President, Hickock and Boardman
Tom Scull, The Richards Group

11:45 AM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:30 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Mental Health Care System: Mental health services and health care integration and collaboration. May possibly start earlier.

Laurie Emerson, Acting Executive Director, NAMI-VT
Dr. Betty Keller, Board Member, NAMI Vermont
Mary Moulton, Executive Director, Washington County Mental Health Services
Ralph Provenza, Director, United Counseling Services, Bennington
Scott Thompson, Citizen, Lamoille County Mental Health Services

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-71, 72. Note: CDs from Cost Shift are with S. H&W

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

9:30 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Green Mountain Care Board--Follow-up to Inside/Outside the Exchange discussions

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
Judy Henkin, Health Policy Director, Green Mountain Care Board

10:15 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Green Mountain Care Board.
Joint hearing, House Health Care and House Ways and Means.
Cost shift and creating savings.

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
Zach Sullivan, Policy Analyst, Green Mountain Care Board

11:45 AM

Adjourn

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Fee Bill --Extended discussion

3:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Committee Discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

Friday, February 13, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-73, 74, 75

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

Could be continued debate and votes on the Fee Bill

11:30 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Committee Discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:15 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Committee Discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-76, 77, 78

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Cost Sharing in Health Care

Governor's cost sharing plan and out-of-pocket subsidies

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

S.61 - An act relating to fast-track Medicaid enrollment

11:00 or after the Floor.

Sean Brown, Deputy Commissioner, Economic Services Division, Department for Children and Families
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Selina Hickman, Policy Director, Department of Vermont Health Access
Peter Sterling, Executive Director, Vermont Campaign for Health Care Security

12:00 PM

Caucuses

2:15 PM

Health Care Reform Discussion

Impacts if Vermont keeps the status quo

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Joyce Manchester, Senior Economist, Joint Fiscal Office
Jason Williams, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, University of Vermont Medical Center

3:30 PM

Cost Sharing in Health Care

Committee discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-79, 80, 81, 82

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Caucus of The Whole

Clean Water for the State of Vermont

11:00 AM

Health Care--Universal Access

Massachusetts policy and actions to reduce the number of citizens who are uninsured

Sheila Curry, Senior Health Policy Manager, Health Care for All, Massachusetts
Brian Rosman, Research Director, Health Care for All, Massachusetts

1:00 PM

FLOOR

1:45 PM

Medicaid Cost Shift

Medicaid Cost Shift and All-Payer Waiver. 1:45 PM or after the Floor

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

3:45 PM

H.203 - An act relating to advancing Vermont’s health care reform initiatives

Committee discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-83, 84, 85, 86

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Governor's Proposed FY2016 Budget

Memo from House Committee on Appropriations, requesting review of specific provisions included in the Governor’s FY 2016 budget proposal

Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

9:45 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Bad Debt/Free Care

Michael Davis, Director of Health System Finances, Green Mountain Care Board
Michael Del Trecco, Vice President of Finance, Vermont Hospital Association

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of Sergeant at Arms, Adjutant and Inspector General, and Trustees of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Bad Debt/Free Care--Continuation of morning discussion

Michael Davis, Director of Health System Finances, Green Mountain Care Board
Michael Del Trecco, Vice President of Finance, Vermont Hospital Association

3:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Uninsured and Underinsured Finances--Representatives from the Massachusetts Health Connector

Rebecca Balder, Health Safety Net Director, Division of Health Care Finance and Policy, Health and Human Services, Massachusetts
Ashley Hague, Deputy Executive Director, Massachusetts Health Connector
Marissa Woltmann, Policy Team, Massachusetts Health Connector

Friday, February 20, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-87

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

10:30 AM

H.490 - An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government

Budget issues for the Office of the Health Care Advocate

Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

11:00 AM

H.490 - An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government

Discussion of issues and priorities

1:00 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-88, 89, 90, 91

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Health Care Financing

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

10:00 AM

FLOOR

10:45 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Health Care Financing

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

12:00 PM

Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Health Care Financing

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-92, 93, 94, 95

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.299 - An act relating to the implementation of trauma screening and the prevention and treatment of adverse childhood experiences

Rep. George W. Till, Sponsor

9:45 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Health Care Financing, priorities

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Rep. William J. Lippert, Chair, House Health Care
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

3:00 PM

H.203 - An act relating to advancing Vermont’s health care reform initiatives

The Governor's proposal to move some VITL functions to the Green Mountain Care Board

John Evans, President and CEO, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)
Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-96, 97, 98, 99

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM)

OPTIONAL. Room 10. Senate Health and Welfare will be hearing from David Balto from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Committee members may wish to attend between 8:00 and 9:00.

David Balto, Public interest antitrust attorney

9:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Sugar Sweetened Beverages - Health Care Implications

Kelly Brownell Ph.D., Dean, Sanford School of Public Policy, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University
Mike Hammond, General Manager, Coca Cola of Northern New England
Chip Hellus, Owner, Outer Limits Health Club
Lisa Katic, Registered Dietician, Beverage Industry
Stephen Leffler M.D., Chief Medical Officer, University of Vermont Medical Center
Laural Ruggles, Vice President of Community Health Improvement, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital

11:00 AM

Blueprint for Health

New reports on Blueprint's effectiveness; Integrating Vermont ACO and Blueprint Activities

Nancy Eldridge, Executive Director, Cathedral Square Corporation
Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

FLOOR

Thursday Floor time will be 1:30 PM

2:15 PM

Committee Discussion and Review

3:00 PM

Adjourn

Friday, February 27, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-100

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Committee Bill

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

9:30 AM

FLOOR

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Committee Bill.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:00 PM

Adjourn

PLEASE NOTE: The Legislature does not meet during Town meeting Week, March 2-6. No committee meetings are scheduled.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

The Vermont General Assembly is on break during the Town Meeting recess. No Committee meetings are scheduled.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-101, 102

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

Extended Floor time

12:00 PM

Caucuses and Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:45 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Committee bill on health care

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Michael Costa, Deputy Director, Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-103, 104, 105, 106

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Committee bill on health care--review Committee member amendments

Susan Barrett, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Rep. Leigh Dakin
Rep. Anne B. Donahue
Stephen Klein, Chief Legislative Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Rep. Avram Patt
Rep. Christopher Pearson
Rep. Paul N. Poirier

10:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Memorandum from Kavet, Rockler & Associates, re
Administration Payroll Tax / Cost Shift Alternatives

Tatiana Andreyevna Ph.D., Director of Economic Initiatives, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut
Tom Kavet, State Economist and Principal Economic Advisor to the Vermont Legislature, Kavet, Rockler and Associates
Sara Teachout, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

11:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:15 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Michael Costa, Deputy Director, Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

3:15 PM

Committee Break

4:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-107, 108, 109

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Discussion and vote on financing package.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:00 PM

H.487 - An act relating to direct enrollment in Exchange plans and to presuit mediation in medical malpractice claims

Discussion of amendments

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Anne B. Donahue
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Rep. Avram Patt

Friday, March 13, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-110, 111, 112, 113

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

10:15 AM

H.487 - An act relating to direct enrollment in Exchange plans and to presuit mediation in medical malpractice claims

10:15 AM or after the Floor.
Amendments to the House Health care bill that relate to the Blueprint for Health

Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Beth Tanzman, Assistant Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access

11:00 AM

H.487 - An act relating to direct enrollment in Exchange plans and to presuit mediation in medical malpractice claims

Proposed amendments re Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms

Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Jeanne Kennedy, Lobbyist, Cigna Health Care

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.487 - An act relating to direct enrollment in Exchange plans and to presuit mediation in medical malpractice claims

1:00: Discussion of an amendment on allowing individuals to direct enroll in the Exchange
1:30: Patt amendment re differential payments to health care providers;
2:15: Reduced-scope, new Household Health Insurance Survey

Ena Backus, Deputy Director, Health Care Policy and Evaluation, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Chief of Health Care Reform

2:30 PM

H.487 - An act relating to direct enrollment in Exchange plans and to presuit mediation in medical malpractice claims

New Committee bill, with a series of policy items. Markup and vote.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

Committee Discussion

11:00 or after the Floor

12:00 PM

Caucuses and Lunch

2:15 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-114, 115

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Lyme Disease

Report on Lyme Disease and Lyme Disease Survey

Erica Berl DVM MPH, Health Surveillance Epidemiologist, Department of Health
Harry Chen, Commissioner, Department of Health

10:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Discussion re memo from Appropriations Committee re health care topics

Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

(All afternoon)

2:00 PM

Department of Vermont Health Access

Introduction to new Commissioner Steven Costantino.
POSTPONED: We will reschedule for next week

2:30 PM

Autism Report

Discussion of licensing Behavioral Analysts

Ashley Berliner, Medicaid Policy and Planning Chief, Agency of Human Services
Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Chris Winters, Secretary of State's Office

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Judicial Retention.

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

May be lengthy

2:30 PM

TBD

Friday, March 20, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-116, 117, 118

Meeting Record

8:45 AM

Green Mountain Care Board

Brief discussion of the GMCB's new guidance re health care IT systems, and regulatory authority: "Criteria for Creating or Maintaining Connectivity to the Vermont Health Information Exchange"

Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Georgia Maheras, Project Director, Vermont Health Care Innovation Project

9:30 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

Mental Health Delivery Systems

11:00 or after the Floor.
Discussion of Rep. Donahue's amendment regarding budgets for inpatient psychiatric care.

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Rep. Anne B. Donahue, Sponsor, House Committee On Human Services
Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Update from the Administration

Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Office of the Governor

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-119, 120

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:15 PM

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Administration's proposal re Exchange deadlines.
Vt. Health Connect (VHC) plans and cost sharing reduction; then VHC contingency plan

Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Senior Advisor to the Governor, Office of the Governor

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-121, 122, 123, 124

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

10:00 AM

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Discussion of Administration's proposed language re Exchange time lines and legislative review

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

11:00 AM

Committee Discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:30 PM

Blueprint for Health

2:30 PM or after the Floor. Blueprint Proposal; budgeting discussion.

Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

3:00 PM

Green Mountain Care Board

All-payer waiver, GMCB budget issues

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Kate Jones, Financial Director, Green Mountain Care Board

3:30 PM

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Finalize language re amendment regarding Exchange timelines and legislative review

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

4:00 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Section 5a

Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-125

Meeting Record

8:30 AM

Committee Discussion

Budget priorities.
[Autism testimony will be rescheduled for next week]

Susan Barrett, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Kate Jones, Financial Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

9:30 AM

FLOOR

The Floor starts at 9:30 today, expected to go for most of the day

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Floor, continued for the afternoon

Friday, March 27, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

8:30 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

9:30 AM

FLOOR

Floor expected to go for most of the day

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Floor continued for the afternoon

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-126

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:15 PM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Revenues and constraints

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

Lengthy

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Lengthy

3:00 PM

TBD

3:00 PM or after the Floor

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

Lengthy

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

All afternoon

Friday, April 3, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

FLOOR

Please note time: 9:00 AM. Expected to be lengthy.

11:00 AM

Adjourn

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:15 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-127

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

H.481 and H.487: Committee discussion

10:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

11:30 AM

Report On Access to Tobacco and Alcohol by the Underage in Vermont

Presentation from students in the Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center

Cyonn Alexander, Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center
Celia Brambley, Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center
McKayla Brown, Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center
Chelsea Corrow, Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center
Samuel Gezelius, Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center
Bruce Lee-Clark, Pre-Law Instructor, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center
Laina Main, Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center
Rep. Ruqaiyah Morris
Mariah Spencer, Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center
Thomas Tift, Pre-Law Class, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Extended debate expected--for the rest of the afternoon

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-128, 129

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Discussion of certain sections of S.139

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

10:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Probably lengthy

2:15 PM

Committee Discussion

Discussing future agendas

Friday, April 10, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-130

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

11:30 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Testimony on the "hospital observation status" section of the bill.

Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Julia Shaw, Policy Analyst, Office of the Health Care Advocate

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

H.329 - An act relating to the interstate Health Care Compact

Introduction to the bill. Walk-through at 11:00; other testimony to follow.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Dave Sterrett, Health Care Policy Group

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-131, 132, 133

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).

Brian Murphy, Director of Pharmacy Benefits, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:15 PM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).

David Balto, Public interest antitrust attorney
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Jeff Hochberg, President, Vermont Retail Druggists Association
Keith Jones, Lobbyist, CVS/Caremark
Theo Kennedy, Lobbyist, Vermont Pharmacists Association
Maribeth Spellman, Commissioner, Department of Human Resources
Charles Storrow, Lobbyist, Express Scripts, Inc.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-134, 135, 136

Meeting Record

8:30 AM

Ethics Training

House Chamber

10:30 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)

Nancy Hogue, Director of Pharmacy Services, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

11:00 AM

H.97 - An act relating to the maximum allowable cost for prescription drug reimbursement

Walk-through of the bill

Jenny Prosser, Office of Legislative Council

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:00 PM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

2:00 PM or after the Floor.
Language on "hospital observation status"

Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont

2:30 PM

Health Insurance--Common Claims Edit Standards

Common Claims Edit Standards

Michael Donofrio, General Counsel, Green Mountain Care Board
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Kelly Macnee, Health Policy Analyst, Green Mountain Care Board

3:00 PM

Urgent Care Centers

Urgent Care Centers---update on legislative history, and testimony from the Green Mountain Care Board

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Michael Donofrio, General Counsel, Green Mountain Care Board

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.481 - An act relating to supporting health care initiatives and establishing payroll and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes

Blueprint for Health

Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

9:45 AM

Health Care Delivery Systems

Conversation with two of the speakers who will be presenting at the annual conference of the Vermont Blueprint for Health, "Building Health Systems"

Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Nick Macchione, Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego
Graham Watt, Professor and Chair of General Practice and Primary Care, The Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland

10:30 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Walk-through, bill as passed by the Senate

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

11:00 AM

Break

11:30 AM

H.97 - An act relating to the maximum allowable cost for prescription drug reimbursement

Presentation by bill sponsor. Moved from 11:00 AM

Rep. George W. Till

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Lengthy: Includes S. 9, Protecting children from abuse and neglect; and S. 141, Possession of firearms

4:00 PM

Reception

Reception, Vt. Community Coalition, with public health speaker Mark Fenton.
Sponsored by AARP and the Vermont Dept. of Health.
4:00-6:00 PM, Cafeteria

Friday, April 17, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-140, 141, 142

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

PBM language

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

11:30 AM

Health Care Advocate Update

Quarterly Report of the Office of the Health Care Advocate, January-March 2015

Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:15 PM

Vermont Health Connect

(Vermont Health Benefits Exchange)
Report from the State Auditor

Doug Hoffer, State Auditor, State Auditor's Office
Linda Lambert, Director of IT and Performance Audits, State Auditor's Office
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Office of the Governor

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-143, 144, 145

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

State House Security

Brief presentation on call buttons, etc.; short video

Janet Miller, Sergeant-At-Arms

9:15 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Discuss language re PBMs, and re hospital observation status.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Keith Jones, Lobbyist, CVS/Caremark
Theo Kennedy, Lobbyist, Vermont Pharmacists Association
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Charles Storrow, Lobbyist, Express Scripts, Inc.

9:45 AM

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Committee discussion

Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Office of the Governor

11:00 AM

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Office of the Governor
Rep. Christopher Pearson

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Could be lengthy debate on sick leave.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-146, 147, 148, 149

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Committee discussion--revised language

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

8:30 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

New strike-all proposal from Rep. Bill Lippert

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Rep. William J. Lippert, Chair, House Committee on Health Care

10:00 AM

Evacuation Drill

Initial walk-though of evacuating the State House -- rain or shine

Janet Miller, Sergeant-At-Arms

10:30 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

New proposal from Rep. Lippert

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Office of the Governor
Sara Teachout, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

1:15 PM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

New time: 1:15 PM
HHC Strike-all amendment with policy and money items.
Markup and vote.

1:30 PM

FLOOR

Floor, cont.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-150, 151, 152

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

10:30 AM

S.60 - An act relating to payment for medical examinations for victims of sexual assault

10:30 AM or after the Floor
Introduction, walk-through and testimony

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Judy Rex, Executive Director, Vermont Center for Crime Victims Services

11:15 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

11:15 or 11:30--Committee discussion--Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Committee discussion--Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Office of the Governor

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-153

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

HHC Committee amendment re Exchange oversight and FSSBM

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Office of the Governor

10:00 AM

FLOOR

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:15 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-154

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Committee review of amendments from other committees.

Rep. Janet Ancel, Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means
Peter Griffin, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Mitzi Johnson, Chair, House Committee on Appropriations

11:30 AM

Committee Discussion

Brief

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

(State House Singers sing the devotional)
No Committee meeting after the Floor

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-155

Meeting Record

8:30 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Review amendments to S.139. Other witnesses TBD

Rep. Paul N. Poirier

9:30 AM

FLOOR

Presentation of S.139 and amendments on the Floor;
Presentation of S.60

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

Presentation of S.139 and amendments on the Floor;
Presentation of S.60

Friday, May 1, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-156, 157

Meeting Record

8:30 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Amendments to S.139

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Rep. Cynthia Browning
Rep. Anne B. Donahue
Rep. Corey Parent
Rep. Teo Zagar

9:30 AM

FLOOR

Probably: S.139

12:00 PM

Lunch

10:30 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Brief Committee discussion

10:45 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Discuss amendments

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Dennis J. Devereux
Rep. Ronald E. Hubert
Damien Leonard, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. David Sharpe

11:00 AM

FLOOR

Debate for the rest of the day on House Floor, S.139

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-158, 159, 160

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Initial discussion and testimony on underlying bill and on vaccinations

Bridget Asay, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General
Tracy Dolan, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
Christine Finley, Immunization Program Chief, Vermont Department of Health
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

10:00 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

CANCELLED DUE TO EXTENDED FLOOR TIME.

Tracy Dolan, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
Christine Finley, Immunization Program Chief, Vermont Department of Health
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:15 PM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

MOVED TO ROOM 11
Additional testimony on vaccinations.

Mia Hockett
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President, Waterkeeper Alliance
Keith Loud MD, Interim Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Greta Lowther, Calais
Nicole Matten, Barton
John Modlin MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine; Deputy Director (Polio), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Valerie Rooney, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-161, 162, 163, 164, 165

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

May start in Room 45, then move to Room 10
Vaccinations.

Christie Allen, Shelburne
Courtney Boutin, Fletcher
Isabella Boutin, Fletcher
Wendy Davis MD, Senior Faculty, Vermont Child Health Improvement Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont, College of Medicine
Mary Holland JD, Director, Graduate Lawyering Program, New York University School of Law
Robert Macauley MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Medical Director, Clinical Ethics, University of Vermont College of Medicine and the Vermont Children’s Hospital
Allison Mindel, Worcester
Thomas A. E. Moseley MD, Newport Pediatrics, North Country Hospital
William Raszka MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Vermont College of Medicine and the Vermont Children’s Hospital
Jennifer Stella, Vermont Coalition for Vaccine Choice
Maureen Wheeler, Charlotte

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:30 PM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

ROOM 10
2:30 PM or after the Floor. Vaccinations. Additional witnesses TBD, including any witnesses bumped from Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning

Gabriel Archdeacon ND, Naturopathic Physician
Jaime Bedard, Project Coordinator, Montpelier
Rebecca Bell, MD, FAAP, Pediatric Critical Care Physician, University of Vermont Medical Center
Christine Horton, Burlington
Sandy Reider MD, Vermont Coalition for Vaccine Choice
Heather Rice, Shelburne
Sam Russo ND, Advisor, Licensing Naturopathic Physicians, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Andrew Shamis, South Burlington
Peter Teachout, Professor, Vermont Law School
Miro Weinberger, Mayor, City Of Burlington

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-166, 167, 168, 169

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

ROOM 10

Harry Chen, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
Christine Finley, Immunization Program Chief, Vermont Department of Health
Rep. George W. Till, Bill Sponsor, Jericho

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

3:00 PM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Vaccinations

Harry Chen, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
Christine Finley, Immunization Program Chief, Vermont Department of Health

Friday, May 8, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-170, 171, 172, 173

Meeting Record

8:30 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Testimony on statutes

Christine Finley, Immunization Program Chief, Vermont Department of Health
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

9:15 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Review of Senate Proposal of Amendment, passed 5/7/15

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

9:30 AM

FLOOR

11:00 AM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

Review of Senate Proposal of Amendment passed 5/7/15

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

1:30 PM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Amendment from Rep. Donahue

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Anne B. Donahue, Sponsor

3:00 PM

FLOOR

NEXT WEEK:
Monday, May 11:
9:00 AM H.98
Selected witnesses and committee discussion
1:00 PM: FLOOR
5:30 PM H.98, Public Hearing, Room 11

Tuesday, May 12:
8:30 AM H.98
Committee Discussion
9:30 AM Floor

Monday, May 11, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-174, 175, 176, 176A

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Additional requested testimony;
Committee discussion

Aaron Dunn, Program Manager, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Public Health Division, Oregon Immunization Program
Greg Glennon, General Counsel, Agency of Education
Kenneth Schatz, Commissioner, Department for Children and Families
Stephanie Winters, Operations Director, Vermont Medical Society

12:00 PM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Responses, Dept. of Health

David Englander, Senior Policy and Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:00 PM

FLOOR

5:30 PM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Public Hearing, 5:30-7:30 PM, Room 11, or Well of the House

Christie Allen, Shelburne
Jordan Benjamin, Middlebury
Zail S. Berry, Essex
Kimberly Blake, S. Burlington
Jonathan Blue, Burlington
Makenna Cannon, S. Burlington
Beth Champagne, St. Johnsbury
Wade Chivingdon, Waterville
Shari Corr, Winooski
Maura Davis, Stowe
Morilla Devost, Burlington
Sean Diehl, PhD, Shelburne
Amelia Fisher, Burlington
Sarah Fogelman, S. Burlington
Barbara Frankowski, President, American Academy of Pediatrics, Jericho
Lyla Gilbert, Hardwick
Amanda Gilman-Bogie, Barre
Brian Goodwin, Middlesex
Cathy Hirce, Stowe
Elizabeth Hunt, Burlington
Penrose Jackson, VT Public Health Association, Hinesburg
Suzanna Jones, Walden
Anne Judson, Burlington
Michael Kilcullen, Woodstock
Beth Kirkpatrick, Westford
John Kords, Montpelier
William Lammer, S. Burlington
Thom Lauzon, Mayor, Barre City
Shawna Lidsky, Shelburne
Benjamin Littenberg, Burlington
Marvin Malek MD, Berlin
Naomi Malik, Woodstock
Kelly McCracken, Montpelier
Jack McCullough, Parents Against Preventable Infections, Montpelier
Rene McGuinness, Monkton
Thomas McLeod, Montpelier
Mary Metcalf, Panton
Julie Moore, Middlesex
James O'Hanlon, Worcester
Allen Packard, Essex
Douglas Perkins, Monkton
Nancy Pruitt, Shelburne
Matt Pyle, S. Burlington
Peter Reed, Burlington
Abby Russell, Underhill
Marijke Russo, East Montpelier
Michael Secore, Craftsbury
Erin Sepic, Richmond
Sandy Snyder, Westfield
Renee Stapleton, Essex
Brian Till, Burlington
Alexandra Turner, Essex Junction
Eaman Twohig, Burlington
Karen Vatz, East Montpelier
Paul Wallace-Brodeur, Montpelier
Ken Weliczka, Williston

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: 15-177, 178, 179

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Committee discussion; amendments

Rep. Paul Dame
David Englander, Senior Policy and Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

9:30 AM

FLOOR

11:15 AM

H.98 - An act relating to reportable disease registries and data

Committee discussion, amendments

Rep. Paul Dame, Sponsor
David Englander, Senior Policy and Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Michael Yantachka, Sponsor
Rep. Michael Yantachka, Sponsor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

1:00 PM

FLOOR

5:00 PM

S.139 - An act relating to health care

First meeting, Committee of Conference.
Room 45

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

No Committee Meeting

(Committee of Conference for S.139 is meeting today instead)

9:30 AM

FLOOR

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

No Committee Meeting

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

No Committee Meeting

5:00 PM

FLOOR

7:30 PM

FLOOR

Friday, May 15, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard
CDs: No CDs

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

FLOOR

And several other Floor times during the day and evening

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Review of Act 54 (S. 139)

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

10:45 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

11:45 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

12:00 PM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
William Lambrukos, Senior Vice President, Operations, Operations, NEDD; and Delta Dental Plan of Vermont
Dawn Schneiderman, Director, Audit and Anti-fraud Programs, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont

12:30 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

All Payer Model

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

2:15 PM

Green Mountain Care Board

Susan Barrett, Executive Director, Green Mountain College
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board

2:45 PM

Medicaid Spending ~ FY16 Update

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access

3:15 PM

Committee Discussion

Including planning of future meeting and agenda topics

3:30 PM

Adjourn

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Don George, CEO and President, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Dawn Schneiderman, Director, Audit and Anti-fraud Programs, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont

12:30 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

Medicaid Update

Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
James Reardon, Commissioner, Department of Finance & Management

2:15 PM

All Payer Model

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board

3:30 PM

Adjourn

Monday, November 30, 2015

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

All Payer Model Update

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board

--

Consumer Principles for Vermont's All-Payer Model

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Julia Shaw, Policy Analyst, Office of the Health Care Advocate

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Vermont Health Connect

Lori Collins, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Doug Hoffer, State Auditor, State Auditor's Office
Justin Johnson, Secretary, Agency of Administration
Brian Reagan, Partner, Audit Services, Global Public Sector, Grant Thornton

3:00 PM

Committee Discussion

3:30 PM

Adjourn

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM or 15 min. after Floor

HHC Committee Priorities and Process

Discussion of HHC Committee priorities for 2016 session

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. William J. Lippert, Chair, House Committee on Health Care
Rep. Christopher Pearson, Vice Chair, House Committee on Health Care

12:00 PM

Caucuses

Noon to 2:15 PM

2:30 PM

HHC Committee Priorities and Process

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. William J. Lippert, Chair, House Committee on Health Care
Rep. Christopher Pearson, Vice Chair, House Committee on Health Care

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Medicaid Overview

Ashley Berliner, Director of Health Care Policy and Planning, Agency of Human Services
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

10:00 AM

Medicaid Budget

Overview and costs

Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office

11:00 AM

Affordable Care Act Waiver

ACA Sec. 1332 State Innovation Waiver (S.H.O.P.)

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Devon Green, Special Counsel, Department of Taxes
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

1:30 PM

Pathways Vermont

Housing and supportive services for Vermonters who have experienced chronic homelessness and suffer from severe and persistent mental illness and/or co-occurring substance abuse disorders

Maura Collins, Policy and Planning Manager, Vermont Housing Finance Agency
Erhard Mahnke, Executive Director, Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition
Hilary Melton, Director, Pathways Vermont
Melissa Picard, Pathways Vermont
Laura-Nicole Sisson, Development and Communications Associate, Pathways Vermont

2:15 PM

Budget Adjustment Act and FY16 Budget

Overview of Medicaid Budget issues

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

3:30 PM

House Floor

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

House Chamber, from 9:00--10:30 AM

11:00 AM

Vermont Health Benefits Exchange

Update on the Exchange

Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

2:00 PM

State of the State Address

House Chamber

3:30 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 8, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Security Update

Committee Room

11:00 AM

Stranded Dollars Report

Report on the Green Mountain Care Board's Findings Regarding Any "Stranded Dollars" in the Fiscal Year 2016 Budgets Proposed by Vermont Hospitals
http://gmcboard.vermont.gov/sites/gmcboard/files/Act54Sec47_Stranded_Dollar_report.pdf

Michael Davis, Director of Health System Finances, Green Mountain Care Board
Michael Donofrio, General Counsel, Green Mountain Care Board

11:30 AM

Consumer Price and Transparency Report

Jessica Holmes, Board Member, Green Mountain Care Board

1:00 PM

Ambulance Reimbursements

Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Drew Hazelton, Member, Rescue Inc. of Brattleboro
Deb Maddalena, Medicaid Operations Administrator, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Mark Podgwaite, Member, Lyndon Rescue
Jeff Spencer, Director, Medical Business Services

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

Vermont Department of Health

Health indicators; health status of Vermonters

Harry Chen, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health

12:00 PM

Caucuses

2:30 PM

FY2016 Governor's Proposed Budget Adjustment

Joint with House Committee on Appropriations.
Budget for DVHA, Department of Vermont Health Access.
ROOM 11

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

All Payer Model Update

And Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).
Joint with House Committee on Human Services.
ROOM 11.
Other witnesses TBA

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
Richard Slusky, Director of Payment Reform, Green Mountain Care Board

11:00 AM

Medicaid Overview

Committee discussion

Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

1:00 PM

Medicaid Overview

Committee discussion

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

2:30 PM

Budget Adjustment Act and FY16 Budget

Committee discussion

Lana Metayer, Parent
Catherine Simonson, Child, Youth & Family Services, Howard Center

3:30 PM

House Floor

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

All Payer Model Update

and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).
Joint with House Committee on Human Services.
ROOM 10

Patrick Flood, CEO, Northern Counties Health Care
Michael Hall, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Area Agency on Aging
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Mary Moulton, Executive Director, Washington County Mental Health Services
Judy Peterson, President and CEO, Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties

10:30 AM

All Payer Model Update

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board
Richard Slusky, Director of Payment Reform, Green Mountain Care Board

11:15 AM

FY2016 Governor's Proposed Budget Adjustment

Committee discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

1:00 PM

Budget Adjustment Act and FY16 Budget

1:00-2:30 PM; no committee meeting 2:30-3:30 PM.
Carrie Hathaway will be here just 1:00-1:30 PM.
[Lawrence Miller's testimony on VHC will be rescheduled to next week.]

Ashley Berliner, Medicaid Policy and Planning Chief, Department of Vermont Health Access
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:30 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 15, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

H.524 - An act relating to seeking a waiver to permit businesses to continue to purchase Exchange plans directly from insurers

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

11:00 AM

Medicaid Overview

Committee discussion

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

1:00 PM

No Committee Meeting

MONDAY, JANUARY 18

NOTE: Monday, January 18, the State House will be closed, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr., Day. The State House will be closed.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.524 - An act relating to seeking a waiver to permit businesses to continue to purchase Exchange plans directly from insurers

Testimony; vote

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

3:20 PM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

3:30 PM

Universal Primary Care, Reports

Reports from the Administration and from Joint Fiscal Office

Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Joyce Manchester, Senior Economist, Joint Fiscal Office
Marisa Melamed, Health Care Reform Policy and Planning Coordinator, Agency of Administration

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Accountable Care Organizations

Testimony from ACO organizations

Amy Cooper, Executive Director, Healthfirst, Inc.
Joyce Gallimore, Director, Community Health Accountable Care LLC (CHAC)
Todd Moore, CEO, OneCare Vermont

10:30 AM

All Payer Model Update

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

Vermont Health Connect

Updates and discussion.

Don George, CEO, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Rebecca Heinz, Associate General Counsel, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

7:30 PM

Farmers Night

NOTE: Farmers Night this week is Nisht Geferlach Klezmer Band, with Rep. Avram Patt

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

9:00-10:30 AM. Overview of Issues.

Michael Fischer MD MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham & Women's
Aaron French, Deputy Commissioner, Health Services and Managed Care, Department of Vermont Health Access
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Brian Murphy, Pharmacy Program Director, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Michael Ouellette, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Goold Health Systems
Ameet Sarpatwari JD PhD, Instructor, Harvard Medical School, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham & Women's

11:00 AM

Medicaid Overview

MCO investments

Stephanie Barrett, Associate Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office

1:00 PM

Universal Primary Care, Reports

Deborah Richter, MD, Family Physician in Addiction Medicine

2:00 PM

Governor's 2016 Budget Address

House Chamber

3:30 PM

House Floor

Friday, January 22, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.524 - An act relating to seeking a waiver to permit businesses to continue to purchase Exchange plans directly from insurers

Tentative--only if there are any amendments

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Joint with several committees, Room 11.
Representative Peter Welch and staff

Peter Welch, U.S. Congressman, Vermont

1:00 PM

Pharmacists as health care providers

Discussion of possible health insurance reimbursement to pharmacists, in their role as health care providers/advisors.

Aaron French, Deputy Commissioner, Health Services and Managed Care, Department of Vermont Health Access
Robert A. Hamilton, Associate Dean of the Vermont Campus, Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Jeff Hochberg, President, Vermont Retail Druggists Association
Marty Irons, Vermont Pharmacists Association
Theo Kennedy, Lobbyist, Vermont Pharmacists and Retail Druggists, Otis & Kennedy, LLC
Jeffrey B. Schnoor, President Elect, Vermont Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

(Budget Adjustment Act)

12:00 PM

Caucuses and Lunch

2:30 PM

Green Mountain Care Board

Annual Report.
Link to GMCB 2015 Annual Report:
http://www.gmcboard.vermont.gov/sites/gmcboard/files/Annual-Rpt-011116-Final.pdf

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Federally-Qualified Health Centers--FQHCs

Patrick Flood, CEO, Northern Counties Health Care
Martha Halnon, CEO, Mountain Health Center
Fay Homan, MD, Little Rivers Health Care
Tim Tanner, MD, Northern Counties Health Care

9:30 AM

SIM Grant

Vermont Health Care Innovation Project

Georgia Maheras, Project Director, Vermont Health Care Innovation Project

10:00 AM

House Floor

Extended debate

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Extended debate, continued

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

9:30 AM

Accountable Care Organizations

Amy Cooper, Executive Director, Healthfirst, Inc.
Joyce Gallimore, Director, Community Health Accountable Care LLC (CHAC)
Todd Moore, CEO, OneCare Vermont

11:00 AM

Medicaid Update

Medicaid funding in different state departments

Sarah Clark, Chief Financial Officer, Agency of Human Services

11:40 AM

Provider Tax

Brief overview of Governor's proposed provider tax on primary care and dental

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

4:30 PM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Justin Tease, Director of Change Management, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Friday, January 29, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

Extended debate on education bill

11:00 AM

House Floor

Floor debate, cont.

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

All afternoon on education bills

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

Medicaid Update

Discussion of MAGI (modified adjusted gross income)

Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

All Payer Model

Term sheet for draft all-payer waiver

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

FY17 Proposed Budget

Governor's proposed budget for the Department of Health Care Access (DVHA)

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

10:30 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update; updates from other health insurance providers

Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:30 PM

Accountable Care Organizations

Update on OneCare Vermont.

Todd Moore, CEO, OneCare Vermont

3:15 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Consumer protections under all-payer waiver and accountable care organizations

Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Medicaid Update

Optional and mandatory services

Ashley Berliner, Director of Healthcare Policy and Planning, Agency of Human Services

9:30 AM

VITL (Vermont Information Technology Leaders)

Update and VITL annual report

John Evans, President and CEO, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)

10:30 AM

Health Information Technology Fund

Update and report

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
John K. Evans, President and CEO, Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL)
Georgia Maheras, Project Director, Vermont Health Care Innovation Project
Steve Maier, Health Care Reform Manager, Div. of Health Care Reform

11:30 AM

Vermont Health Information Technology Plan

Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Steve Maier, Health Care Reform Manager, Div. of Health Care Reform

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Legislation from other states regarding prescription drug cost transparency

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, February 5, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Blueprint for Health

Annual Report

Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Jenney Samuelson, Assistant Director, Blueprint for Health

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Committee Discussion

Quick overview of 2016 bills in Committee

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)

Update on academic detailing
11:00--11:45 AM

Elizabeth Cote, Director, Area Health Education Centers, UVM College of Medicine (AHEC)
Charles MacLean MD, Associate Dean for Primary Care, University of Vermont College of Medicine

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

Vermont Household Health Insurance Survey

Tracy Dolan, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
Richard McCoy, Manager, Public Health Statistics, Vermont Department of Health

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.761 - An act relating to cataloguing and aligning health care performance measures

Initial presentation and discussion.

Rep. Charles Conquest, Bill Sponsor
Catherine Fulton, Executive Director, Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care (VPQHC)
Pat Jones, Health Care Project Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Georgia Maheras, Project Director, Vermont Health Care Innovation Project

10:30 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update; discussion with Benaissance, the premium processor for Vermont Health Connect

Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Dawn Schneiderman, Director, Audit and Risk Management, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Mark Waterstraat, Chief Strategy Officer, Benaissance

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

All Payer Model

Discussion continued.

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Michael Costa, Deputy Director, Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

3:30 PM

H.761 - An act relating to cataloguing and aligning health care performance measures

Catherine Fulton, Executive Director, Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care (VPQHC)
Debra Wilcox, Director of Planning and Health Care Policy, Department of Health

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Department of Vermont Health Access. Discussion, continued. 9:00 AM to noon.

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Howard Pallotta, General Counsel, Department of Vermont Health Access

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:45 PM

H.766 - An act relating to a study of expanding Dr. Dynasaur

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Karen Horn, Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Stephen Klein, Chief Legislative Fiscal Officer, Joint Fiscal Office
Rep. Ruqaiyah Morris, Bill Sponsor
Peter Sterling, Executive Director, Dr. Dynasaur 2.0 Campaign
Philene Taormina, Director of Advocacy, AARP Vermont

Friday, February 12, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.761 - An act relating to cataloguing and aligning health care performance measures

Victoria Loner, Vice President of Clinical Operations, OneCare Vermont

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:15 AM

H.761 - An act relating to cataloguing and aligning health care performance measures

Craig Jones, Director, Blueprint for Health, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Sharon Winn, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.761 - An act relating to cataloguing and aligning health care performance measures

Paul Harrington, Executive Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society
Pat Jones, Health Care Project Director, Green Mountain Care Board

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

H.761 - An act relating to cataloguing and aligning health care performance measures

Witnesses and committee discussion

Catherine Burns, Quality Director, Vermont Care Partners
Lila Richardson, Staff Attorney, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Jill Abrams, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Merideth Chaudoir, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Wendy Morgan, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office

3:30 PM

H.524 - An act relating to seeking a waiver to permit businesses to continue to purchase Exchange plans directly from insurers

Draft Section 1332 Waiver

Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Committee discussion

Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

10:30 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update, and follow-up on Exchange Alternatives Report

Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Frank Petrus, Senior Managing Partner, Gartner Consulting

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Expected to continue all afternoon

3:30 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Dept. of Vermont Health Access

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Carrie Hathaway, Financial Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Rebecca Heinz, Counsel, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of two Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges Corporations

11:00 AM

H.761 - An act relating to cataloguing and aligning health care performance measures

Committee discussion and possible vote

Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:30 PM

H.761 - An act relating to cataloguing and aligning health care performance measures

Committee discussion; amendments; vote

Pat Jones, Assistant Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Georgia Maheras, Project Director, Vermont Health Care Innovation Project
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:00 PM

Committee Discussion

Discussion, prioritizing issues

Friday, February 19, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:05 AM

Green Mountain Care Board

GMCB Budget discussion

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Kate Jones, Financial Director, Green Mountain Care Board

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Ambulance Reimbursements

James Finger, President, Rutland Regional Ambulance Service
Drew Hazelton, Member, Rescue Inc. of Brattleboro
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Rep. Oliver Olsen

11:15 AM

Green Mountain Care Board

Continue GMCB budget discussion.

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Kate Jones, Financial Director, Green Mountain Care Board

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Budget of the Office of the Vermont Health Care Advocate

Kate Jones, Financial Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

2:00 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Walk-through and discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

H. 611 Fiscal year 2016 budget adjustments; H. 761 Cataloging and aligning health care performance measures

11:00 AM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Budget memo--budget for Office of Health Care Advocate.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Budget memo from Committee to House Appropriations.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:15 PM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Proposal re manufacturers' fee

Rep. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas

3:30 PM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Discussion, continued

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Housing and Health Care

Gus Seelig, Executive Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
Jason Williams, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, University of Vermont Medical Center

9:45 AM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Budget memo

Rebecca Heintz, Associate General Counsel, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

11:00 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update. 11:00 AM this week, not 10:30

Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Includes H.761

2:30 PM

Housing and Health Care

Erhard Mahnke, Executive Director, Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition

3:00 PM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Budget memo discussion

Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

4:00 PM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

DVHA payer of last resort

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Bradley Wilhelm, Assistant General Counsel, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

10:00 AM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Committee discussion--budget memo

10:30 AM

Green Mountain Care Board

Hospital budgets; GMCB update.

Michael Davis, Director of Health System Finances, Green Mountain Care Board
Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Committee discussion

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Alicia Cooper, Health Care Project Director, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
John Michael Hall, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Area Agency on Aging
Victoria Loner, Deputy Director, OneCare Vermont
Todd Moore, CEO, OneCare Vermont
Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services

3:45 PM

No Committee Meeting

Friday, February 26, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Obesity and CHAMPPS funding

Jill Sudhoff-Guerin, Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society, Vermont
Tina Zuk, Government Relations Director VT, American Heart Association

9:30 AM

House Floor

Debate lengthy--for the rest of the morning

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FY2017 Governor's Proposed State Budget

Budget memo

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office

3:00 PM

No Committee Meetings Scheduled

Please Note: The Legislature is not is session next week, which is Town Meeting week.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

No Committee Meetings Scheduled

The General Assembly is on break for the week of Town Meeting.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

11:00 or after the Floor. New bill draft.

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.620 - An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for contraceptives

Ashley Berliner, Director of Medicaid Policy and Planning, Agency of Human Services
Cary Brown, Executive Director, Vermont Commission on Women
Donna Burkett, Medical Director, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Meagan Gallagher, CEO, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
Erica Gibson, Adolescent Medicine Division and Vt. Child Health Improvement Project, UVM Medical Center
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Rep. Ann Pugh, Sponsor
Stephanie Winters, Operations Director, American Academy of Pediatrics, Vermont Chapter

4:30 PM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Or 4:45 PM. Brief discussion.

Rep. Douglas Gage
Rep. Christopher Pearson

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Testimony re new draft.

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Peter Cobb, Director, VNAs of Vermont
Patrick Flood, CEO, Northern Counties Health Care
Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
John Michael Hall, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Area Agency on Aging
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Victoria Loner, Deputy Director, OneCare Vermont
Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
Sharon Winn, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care, Community Health Accountable Care LLC (CHAC)

11:00 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:00 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

3:00 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Committee discussion, regarding morning testimony

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board

3:30 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Committee discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

4:00 PM

H.559 - An act relating to an exemption from licensure for visiting team physicians

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nathan Endres, Sports Medicine, Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Center, UVM Medical Center
David Herlihy, Executive Director, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
Rep. Joan G. Lenes, Bill Sponsor
Madeleine Mongan, Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.620 - An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for contraceptives

Committee discussion

Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont

10:00 AM

H.690 - An act relating to the practice of acupuncture by health care professionals acting within their scope of practice.

Committee discussion, maybe testimony.

Laura Cooley, Legislative Liaison, Vermont Acupuncture Association
Paul Harrington, Executive Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society
Rep. Anthony Klein, Bill Sponsor
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

11:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:30 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Mark-up and discussion; vote

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

4:10 PM

H.559 - An act relating to an exemption from licensure for visiting team physicians

Mark-up and vote

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, March 11, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.690 - An act relating to the practice of acupuncture by health care professionals acting within their scope of practice.

Mark-up and vote.

David Herlihy, Executive Director, Vermont Board of Medical Practice
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:15 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Committee discussion of draft language re Rx drug cost transparency.

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Andrew MacLean, Lobbyist, MMR

12:20 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

H.620 - An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for contraceptives

Markup; vote

Anne Burmeister, Lobbyist, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:45 PM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Mark-up and vote on Committee bill

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Includes H.559, exemption from licensure for visiting team physicians

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

3:15 PM

Green Mountain Care Board

Brief update on "Gobeille v. Liberty Mutual".

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:45 PM

H.620 - An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for contraceptives

Update.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Green Mountain Care Board

Impact of 'Gobeille vs Liberty Mutual'; & update on All-Payer Model.

Al Gobeille, Chair, Green Mountain Care Board

10:30 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
Justin Tease, Director of Implementation, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Expected to last all afternoon.
Includes H. 690 The practice of acupuncture by physicians and osteopaths; H. 812 Consumer protections for accountable care organizations

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Mental Health Advocacy Day

Laurie Emerson, Executive Director, NAMI VT
Mary Moulton, Executive Director, Washington County Mental Health Services

9:45 AM

H.620 - An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for contraceptives

Testimony re religious exemption.

Carrie Handy, Respect Life Coordinator, Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington

10:15 AM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Amendments from Rep. Gage and Rep. Browning

Rep. Cynthia Browning
Rep. Douglas Gage

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Judicial Retention. House Floor.

11:30 AM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Amendments

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Rep. Cynthia Browning
Rep. Anne B. Donahue
Rep. Douglas Gage

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Expected to last all afternoon

Friday, March 18, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion

Issues with several bills

9:30 AM

House Floor

Expected to continue all day

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

11:30 AM

H.620 - An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for contraceptives

Committee discussion

Bridget Asay, Solicitor General, Office of the Attorney General
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

H.639 - An act relating to pulse oximetry to screen newborns for congenital heart defects

2:30-3:15

Tessa Daniels, Parent
Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Abigail Rogers, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire, March of Dimes
Rep. George W. Till, Sponsor
Tina Zuk, Vermont Government Relations Director, American Heart Association

3:15 PM

Committee Discussion

3:30 PM

Budget Overview

H.875 An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government. House Chamber.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.214 - An act relating to large group insurance

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont

9:40 AM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

9:55 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

10:00 AM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

10:30 AM

H.620 - An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for contraceptives

Discussion and update--Donahue draft amendment

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Anne B. Donahue
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont

11:00 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Kathryn Becker Van Haste, Director of Health Policy, Senator Bernie Sanders

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Afternoon and evening

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Walk-through

Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
David Martini, Director of Health Insurance Policy, Director of External Appeals Program, Department of Financial Regulation
Madeleine Mongan, Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society
Madeleine Mongan, Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society

11:00 AM

H.620 - An act relating to health insurance and Medicaid coverage for contraceptives

Amendment

Rep. Janssen Willhoit, Sponsor

11:30 AM

H.873 - An act relating to making miscellaneous tax changes

Rep. Olson's amendment re ambulance

11:40 AM

H.875 - An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government

Rep. Olson's companion ambulance amendment

11:50 AM

H.875 - An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government

Rep. Gage amendment re funding a study of Vermont Health Connect

Rep. Douglas Gage

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Afternoon and evening

Friday, March 25, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

TBA

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Expected to go all day

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

James Love, Director, Knowledge Ecology International
John Murphy, Assistant General Counsel, PhRMA

10:30 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Richard Boes, Commissioner, Department of Information & Innovation
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Expected to last rest of afternoon

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Thomas Hall, Founder, Complementary and Alternative Medical Association of Vermont
Rep. James McCullough, Sponsor of Amendment

10:15 AM

Break

11:00 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Ritchard Engelhardt, State Director of Government Affairs, Northeastern and Western Regions, Biotechnology Innovation Organization
Leigh Purvis, Director of Health Services Research, AARP

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

3:00 or after House Floor. Walk-through.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nolan Langweil, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
Jason Williams, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, University of Vermont Medical Center

3:30 PM

S.256 - An act relating to extending the moratorium on home health agency certificates of need

Walk-through

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:45 PM

Committee Discussion and Planning

Friday, April 1, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

11:00 or after the Floor.

Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Jill Sudhoff-Guerin, Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society, Vermont

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Floor expected to be long

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:15 PM

House Floor

4:15 PM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Steven Knievel, Coordinator, Global Access to Medicines Program, Public Citizen
Reshma Ramachandran MD MPP, Research Faculty, Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Dagny Hoff, State Health Insurance Program Coordinator, Central Vermont Council on Aging

9:30 AM

S.214 - An act relating to large group insurance

Green Mountain Care Board report

Thomas Crompton, Program Management Specialist, Green Mountain Care Board
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Rebecca Heinz, Associate General Counsel, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Judith Henkin Esq., General Counsel, Green Mountain Care Board

10:30 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Richard Boes, Commissioner, State of Vermont
Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Dawn Schneiderman, Director, Audit and Anti-fraud Programs, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Floor expected to be long

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.256 - An act relating to extending the moratorium on home health agency certificates of need

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Peter Cobb, Director, VNAs of Vermont
Janet McCarthy, Executive Director, Franklin County Home Health Agency

10:00 AM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Sen. Tim Ashe, Bill Sponsor
Amy Cooper, Executive Director, Healthfirst, Inc.

11:00 AM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Hospital facility fees

Gisele Carbonneau, Director of Operations, Healthfirst, Inc.
Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Floor could be long

Friday, April 8, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
John Hollar, Lobbyist, National Association of Vision Care Plans

9:30 AM

House Floor

11:00 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
John Hollar, Lobbyist, National Association of Vision Care Plans

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Dean Barcelow, Doctor, Optometrists Association
Susan Donegan, Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation
Aaron French, Deputy Commissioner, Health Services and Managed Care, Department of Vermont Health Access
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, America's Health Insurance Plans
Sen. Kevin Mullin, Bill Sponsor

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Extended--includes H.870, Telecommunications

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, America's Health Insurance Plans
Marguerite Monet, Social Worker, AIDS Project of Southern Vermont
Wendy Morgan, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Sen. Kevin Mullin, Bill Sponsor
Brian Murphy, Pharmacy Program Director, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Sen. Michael Sirotkin

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Paul Harrington, Executive Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society
Wendy Morgan, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
Anthony Williams, MD, Central Vermont Medical Center, University of Vermont Health Network
Mark Yorra, MD, Central Vermont Medical Center, University of Vermont Health Network

11:00 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update on security issues.

Richard Boes, Commissioner, Department of Information & Innovation
Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Glenn Schoonover, Chief information Security Officer, State of Vermont
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:30 PM

TBA

3:30 PM

S.107 - An act relating to the Agency of Health Care Administration

Joint with House Human Services Committee.
Room 10, 3:30-4:30 PM

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

S.256 - An act relating to extending the moratorium on home health agency certificates of need

Committee discussion and vote

9:30 AM

S.214 - An act relating to large group insurance

Discussion

Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare

10:00 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Discussion

10:15 AM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Discussion

11:00 AM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Continue with Senate bills in committee, including S.245

Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Jason Williams, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, University of Vermont Medical Center

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

3:00 PM

S.214 - An act relating to large group insurance

Discussion and vote.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:15 PM

Committee Discussion and Possible Mark-Up

Senate bills S.214, S.216, S.245 and S.255.
3:00-5:30 or 6:00 PM

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

3:30 PM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Amendments

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

5:00 PM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Rep. Pearson's proposed strike-all amendment

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Friday, April 15, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

John Hollar, Lobbyist, National Association of Vision Care Plans

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Amendments.

11:00 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Strike-all amendment from Rep. Pearson.
Other witnesses TBA.

Margaret Laggis, Lobbyist, America's Health Insurance Plans

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.639 - An act relating to pulse oximetry to screen newborns for congenital heart defects

Katherine Bramhall, Licensed Midwife, Vermont Midwifery Association

1:30 PM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access

1:45 PM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Rep. Anne B. Donahue, Sponsor of Amendment
Aaron French, Deputy Commissioner, Health Services and Managed Care, Department of Vermont Health Access
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare

2:15 PM

H.639 - An act relating to pulse oximetry to screen newborns for congenital heart defects

Harry Chen, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Health
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Tina Zuk, Vermont Government Relations Director, American Heart Association

2:45 PM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

3:00 PM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Aggregate vs. non-aggregated reporting, etc.

David Cassetty, General Counsel, Department of Financial Regulation
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
David Martini, Director of Health Insurance Policy, Director of External Appeals Program, Department of Financial Regulation

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Discussion on amendments

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

House Floor

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Nancy Hogue, Director of Pharmacy Services, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

9:45 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Final markup and vote

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
David Martini, Director of Health Insurance Policy, Director of External Appeals Program, Department of Financial Regulation

10:30 AM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Final markup

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Tom Simpatico, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Department of Vermont Health Access

12:00 PM

Lunch

12:55 PM

S.255 - An act relating to regulation of hospitals, health insurers, and managed care organizations

Vote.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

1:00 PM

House Floor

Expected to be lengthy

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

Including amendment re bronze plans. Discussion included H.866.

Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Susan Gretkowski, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, MVP Healthcare
Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Virginia Renfrew, Lobbyist, AIDS Services Organizations and American Cancer Society

10:00 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Amendments, Bancroft and Donahue; vote to amend H.866 with Donahue amendment; then vote out H.866 as amended.

Rep. Robert Bancroft
Rep. Anne B. Donahue

11:00 AM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

Discussion, including 340B program

Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Sharon Winn, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association

11:30 AM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

11:35 AM

H.866 - An act relating to prescription drug manufacturer cost transparency

Rep. McCullough amendment re complementary and alternative medicine

11:40 AM

Vermont Household Health Insurance Survey

Discussion of possible new questions for survey

Rep. Douglas Gage
Rep. Mark Woodward

11:45 AM

H.559 - An act relating to an exemption from licensure for visiting team physicians

Senate message passed in Concurrence with proposal of amendment: Discussion, then vote to accept Senate changes.

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

2:15 PM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

Committee discussion.

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

Friday, April 22, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

New draft; language re Rx cost disclosures; bronze plan language.
Final markup; possibly vote.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Devon Green, Special Counsel for Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

FLOOR

2:40 PM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

Final markup and vote

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:45 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Amendments from Rep. Paul Poirier and Rep. Sarah Buxton

Rep. Sarah E. Buxton
Rep. Paul N. Poirier

10:00 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Lunch and Caucuses

2:30 PM

House Floor

Continued

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Committee Discussion

Status of Senate and House bills

Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate

10:00 AM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

11:00 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Amendments from Rep. Dame

Rep. Paul Dame

11:15 AM

H.690 - An act relating to the practice of acupuncture by health care professionals acting within their scope of practice.

Senate Proposal of Amendment

Gabriel Gilman, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

11:45 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

Committee discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meeting Scheduled

10:00 AM

H.690 - An act relating to the practice of acupuncture by health care professionals acting within their scope of practice.

Senate Proposal of Amendment, committee discussion

Gabriel Gilman, Counsel, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office
Paul Harrington, Executive Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society
BetsyAnn Wrask, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

11:30 AM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Discussion of bill as discussed in Senate Appropriations

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

More Committee discussion

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:45 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Committee discussion

Ena Backus, Deputy Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Trinka Kerr, Chief Health Care Advocate, Office of the Health Care Advocate
Robin Lunge, Director of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Georgia Maheras, Project Director, Vermont Health Care Innovation Project
Madeleine Mongan, Vice-President, Vermont Medical Society
Jessica Oski, Lobbyist, Healthfirst, Inc.
Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Care Partners
Sharon Winn, Director, Vermont Public Policy, Bi-State Primary Care Association

Friday, April 29, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

No Committee Meeting

9:30 AM

House Floor

State House Singers

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

House Floor

Extended.
Committee may not meet to review H.812 and vote on S.245.

2:20 PM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council

2:30 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Nutrition sections

David Englander, Senior Policy and Legal Advisor, Vermont Department of Health

2:50 PM

H.875 - An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government

Language on Vermont Health Connect

Dan Smith, Consultant, P & C Software Services, LLC

Monday, May 2, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

1:00 PM

H.812 - An act relating to implementing an all-payer model and oversight of accountable care organizations

Committee discussion, Sec. 11, AHS contracts

Selina Hickman, Policy Director, Agency of Human Services
Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Care Partners

1:20 PM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Questions re sections 3 and 4, in version As Passed by Senate.

Susan Barrett, JD, Executive Director, Green Mountain Care Board
Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Steven Costantino, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access
Jason Williams, Senior Government Affairs Strategist, University of Vermont Medical Center

1:30 PM

H.875 - An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government

Vermont Health Connect, study language; and other sections

Cory Gustafson, Director, Government and Public Relations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
Dan Smith, Consultant, P & C Software Services, LLC

2:00 PM

House Floor

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

S.245 - An act relating to notice to patients of new health care provider affiliations

Rep. Pearson Amendment, Dr. 1.3, re Sections 3 and 4. Markup and vote.

Jennifer Carbee, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
Rep. Christopher Pearson

9:30 AM

House Floor

7:30 PM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

[Committee of Conference]

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Health Connect

Update

Cassandra Gekas, Director of Operations, Vermont Health Connect
Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform, Agency of Administration
Sean Sheehan, Director of Education and Outreach, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

[Committee of Conference--tentative]

4:30 PM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

[Committee of Conference]

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

8:00 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

[Committee of Conference. Room 17, S H&W]

8:45 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

[Committee of Conference]

9:00 AM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

[Committee of Conference. Room 45]

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:00 AM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

[Committee of Conference]

10:30 AM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

[Committee of Conference]

1:00 PM

S.215 - An act relating to the regulation of vision insurance plans

[Committee of Conference]

9:00 PM

S.216 - An act relating to prescription drugs

[Committee of Conference]

Friday, May 6, 2016

Meeting Details

Hearing Type: Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

12:00 PM

Committee Discussion

1:00 PM

House Floor

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