Green Mountain Times

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Vermont, along with other organizations, is urging Governor Phil Scott to veto Bill H.766. This legislation pertains to prior authorization and requirements for health insurance claims and provider contracts. The organizations express concerns regarding the potential financial impact on employers and individuals due to reduced cost controls.

In a letter addressed to Governor Scott, the group highlights several points of contention. They mention that "The Green Mountain Care Board recently noted in its annual report that the cost of Qualified Health Plans has increased an average of 53% since 2019." The organizations assert that the bill could lead to increased health care costs, removing essential checks and balances.

Specific concerns include untested policies in H.766 that lack sufficient analysis for cost impacts. "H.766 will experiment with untested policies that have not been used elsewhere and have not been sufficiently analyzed for cost impacts," they state. The group also underlines a Senate amendment that eliminates prior authorization requirements, reportedly added without testimony or analysis.

Another major point raised is the bill's impact on individual expenses. The letter argues that "Vermonters will incur significantly higher out-of-pocket costs to meet high deductibles if more cost-effective alternatives are not considered first owing to the lack of prior authorization." The alignment of insurance claims edits with Medicare, as mandated by H.766, is seen as another factor potentially leading to increased costs.

The organizations call for the veto of the bill to protect Vermonters and local businesses from these projected financial burdens. The letter ends with a collective request: "We respectfully ask that you veto H.766 and demonstrate your stalwart support for Vermonters and local businesses."

The signatories of the letter include the Associated General Contractors of Vermont, Associated Industries of Vermont, and other regional business associations.