Toward Equitable Financing of Green Mountain Care: Proposal by the Healthcare Is a Human Right Campaign
The Healthcare Is a Human Right Campaign has released a financing plan for Vermont’s new universal health care system ahead of the Governor’s presentation of financing options in January. The detailed proposal puts forward a revenue plan that will ensure health care is paid for equitably, which is required by Act 48, Vermont’s universal health care law.
Act 48 provides a roadmap to Green Mountain Care, a universal health care system that will follow the private insurance exchange once Vermont receives federal permission to opt out of the exchange. Act 48 requires the State Administration to present two financing plans consistent with the principle of equity to the legislature by January 15, 2013.
The Healthcare Is a Human Right Campaign proposes a financing plan that would have individuals and businesses contribute based on their ability to pay, and that would ensure comprehensive healthcare as a public good for all. Access to care would be free at the point of service. The plan, which focuses on revenue sources rather than cost estimates, would eliminate premiums, deductibles and co-pays and replace these with public financing through progressive taxation.
Download the proposal below.