Vermont

Status of reform effort: In 2006, Governor Douglas signed comprehensive health reform legislation aimed at achieving near universal coverage and improving care for people with chronic conditions.  Catamount Health, the subsidized insurance product for uninsured residents, was implemented on October 1, 2007. 

On May 25, 2006, Vermont Governor Jim Douglas (R) signed the 2006 Health Care Affordability Act, which provides the foundation for Vermont’s Health Care Reform Plan.

The primary components of the plan are as follows:

Catamount Health: A health insurance plan for individuals who do not have access to employer-sponsored insurance.

• Premium assistance, on a sliding scale, to individuals and their dependents with incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level; 
• Monthly premium assistance cost for individuals and their dependents range from $60 per month for those with incomes under 200 percent of the federal poverty level and $135 per month for those with incomes between 275 percent and 300 percent of the federal poverty level; Premiums for those with incomes above 300 percent of the federal poverty level are $393 for an individual and $1100 for a family.

Employer-Based Premium Assistance: Premium assistance for individuals with incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, to help them pay for their employer’s insurance plan.

Employer Requirement: $365 assessment fee for employees who are not offered or do not  take up health care coverage and who are uninsured; exception for small employers.

Blueprint for Health:  A statewide initiative that was already underway to improve health and health care in Vermont, has now been included in the implementation of health reform.   The plan is built on the premise that prevention and support for chronic conditions will result in a healthier population through appropriate, timely and effective treatment, and reduced demand for medical services.

The plan is financed through multiple revenue sources including premium collections, employer fees, a tobacco tax increase, and federal matching funds through the Medicaid program. 

Implementation of the plan began on October 1, 2007.  Vermont is embarking on an education, outreach and enrollment campaign to inform residents about the insurance products and premium assistance that is available to Vermonters.  As of December 31, 2007, 1,352 individuals were enrolled in Catamount Health, short of the enrollment target of 4,245. An additional 313 individuals were enrolled in the employer-sponsored insurance premium assistance program.