Vermont- Gov. Shumlin Bends on Health Benefits Exchange

In a substantial policy shift, the Shumlin administration announced a proposal Monday to include “bronze” plans in the health benefits exchange and exempt larger employers from the insurance marketplace.

The decision came after business owners testified last week to House and Senate health care committees, many of whom expressed concern that the administration’s original proposal would increase the cost of doing business in Vermont by disallowing high-deductible plans for employees.

At a press conference, Gov. Peter Shumlin told reporters that the exchange is merely one part of his signature health care reform effort.

“We feel strongly that the exchange is not the answer to all of Vermont’s health care problems,” Shumlin said. “If we just passed the exchange, we would not contain costs adequately and be able to provide universal access.”


http://vtdigger.org/2012/02/07/shumlin-bends-on-health-benefits-exchange/
Hat tip: VTDigger.org