New laws protect healthcare access
2023-05-31
Dear friend,
There are some topics where I can go back-and-forth and see multiple sides of an issue.
Women's rights and access to healthcare isn't one of them. I'm happy to report back from Montpelier on three bills this session that strengthen Vermont's healthcare system.
We passed:
--H.89, An act relating to civil and criminal procedures concerning legally protected health care activity.
H.89 establishes the highest possible level of legal protection for Vermont-based providers of reproductive and gender-affirming health care and the patients receiving that care. It passed the House 130–13, and was signed by the Governor on May 10. It is now Act 14 of the session.
--And S.37, An act relating to access to legally protected health care activity and regulation of health care providers.
S.37 guarantees that our health care providers will not lose their licenses and certifications due to injurious laws in other states. It also requires pregnancy service centers to comply with Vermont’s laws and standards of practice, ensures the supply of medications used in reproductive care, and increases access to contraceptives on Vermont’s college campuses. The House passed S.37 on a 115-17 roll-call vote. Also signed by the Governor on May 10, it is Act 15.
I'm proud of Vermont for passing both Act 14 and Act 15 in the strongest possible support of our personal autonomy and freedom to access quality healthcare. Anyone should be able to access the healthcare they need in Vermont without fear.
Both acts should send a strong message to healthcare professionals -- that you can work in Vermont with the law standing behind you, not coming between you and your patients.
***
Everyone's access to quality healthcare is another reason I support H.494, the State budget (see Vermont’s wartime budget).
Reimbursement rates to medical and human services providers have been underfunded for years, causing a substantial shortfall for providers.
Less money for providers means fewer providers. I am no longer surprised when it takes three hours to do a blood draw.
The budget includes $99.7 million to increase rates for primary and specialty care, dental care, home health, nursing homes and residential care, adult day care, substance use and mental health, and ambulance services. Increasing these rates will help us attract and retain workforce, free up hospital emergency rooms, and help Vermonters get the health care services they need.
Getting to healthcare services and receiving care during those life-saving minutes can take you out of the battle before you even reach the hospital. Local EMS providers are struggling with an outdated reimbursement system.
I support H.494 because it invests $1 million in training for EMS personnel. We are also commissioning a report to provide recommendations for improving our emergency medical system.
Differences like these are behind the 3% difference between the Governor's proposed budget and what the Legislature came back with.
Gov. Scott questions the "affordability" of this budget in his veto message (see One Saturday in May, three veto letters).
Fair point as equated to taxes only.
But when I look more broadly at our system, I see it a different way. We've been underinvesting in essential infrastructure like housing and roads and bridges.
We will have to pay the piper in the long run. If taxpayers don't get together and pay for essential services like EMS and primary care, only the wealthy will be able to access them. And then Vermont truly won't be affordable or livable.
Thanks for reading about H.89, S.37, and H.494. I'd be happy to receive your comments and questions.
P.S. Who doesn't love a real Vermont Dr. Suess tree?
Dr. Suess in Halifax
Do you have a tree in your yard with a wild shape? Send a picture!