Times Argus: Sen. Racine unveils health bill; Goal is universal coverage in Vermont

By Daniel Barlow

MONTPELIER – Sen. Doug Racine unveiled his long-awaited health care reform bill Tuesday, a proposal that would pave a path toward a state-financed system that covers all Vermonters regardless of their income.

Racine, the chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and a Democratic candidate for governor, said his bill would design three new health care models for the state and have them ready for Vermont’s next governor to implement.

The bill, introduced in draft form in his committee Tuesday afternoon, would set up an independent panel of three people to design models for major reform – including possibly setting up a state-run, single-payer health care system.

Racine, a Chittenden Democrat, said health care costs in Vermont are estimated to increase by $1 billion in the next three years, for a total annual spending of $5.9 billion by the end of 2012. Small changes won’t fix a broken system, he said.

“I don’t think we can end this year with doing nothing,” Racine said.

Racine’s bill would establish what he calls the Vermont Health Care Board, a body of three citizens – none of whom have economic ties to the health care industry – to design three scenarios for the state. Members of the board would be appointed by the governor, the House and the Senate.

[...]

Full article