But, Vermont has to look at a comprehensive approach that makes health insurance affordable, increase cost and quality competition to the market, empower all patients to make cost effective, medically appropriate treatment decisions and reduce health care litigation costs. When taken together, change in the landscape will occur and health carriers will begin again to offer choice health plans in Vermont. Though the Governor forbade double digit rate increases, it s unlikely to have an effect. Industry experts who attended the Burlington meeting agreed that the Governor has to decide whether to continue the current path of health insurance regulation that is driving up costs or change state policy to empower patients to be more fiscally responsible, make mandates optional, adequately fund Medicaid, and nurture competition. This will improve product offerings and bring more products choices to consumers.
Health care is personal.
It s about your doctor, your hospital, your health insurance and free markets that allow you to measure the outcome and not some state bureaucracy that will regulate choices. If Vermont is serious about real health reform, it should look to market-based solutions, not more threats and state control. Part 2 It s been said in politics, you have to give the electorate a tune they can whistle. HMO s prevent choice and costs are too high. Also, some political leaders say the cause for the cost increases in health care is that hospitals and doctors charge too much.