Representatives John Tracy, Co-chair; Steve Maier; Janet Ancel; Francis “Topper” McFaun; Senators Jim Leddy, Co-chair; Ann Cummings; Jane Kitchel; Kevin Mullin; John Bloomer, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Walter Freed

Also Present:

Legislative and Joint Fiscal staff, members of the Administration, the press, and the public

Meeting Recorded:

CD 2006 – 1, 2

1. Convene Review and Approve 12/16/06 Meeting Minutes

Senator Leddy and Representative Tracy convened the meeting at 1:15 p.m. in Room 11 at the State House, Montpelier, Vermont. Senator Leddy asked for a motion to accept the 12/16/06 meeting minutes as presented. Representative

Maier made the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Representative Tracy briefed the Committee on Dr. Thorpe’s morning presentation on Chronic Care Management to the House Health Committee. Dr. Thorpe discussed the need and how to construct a health care delivery system structure for the State of Vermont and how to make sure to have the components in place to deliver care and manage chronic disease.

2. Health Care Presentation

Documents distributed:

• Presentation to the Vermont Commission on Health Care Reform: prepared to address study requirements in section 277d of Act 71, January 2006, Kenneth Thorpe, Ph.D., Consultant, Commission on Health Care Reform

Senator Leddy asked Dr. Thorpe to discuss the power point presentation he prepared for the Commission. Dr. Thorpe said comprehensive reforms would require all Vermonters to obtain health coverage. He said there were key policy issues to resolve including, who is responsible for acquiring coverage, what benefits are required, how much employers/employees/individuals will pay, and how will Vermont finance its share of the new spending? He said in Vermont today private health insurance premiums account for approximately 14% of payroll among firms and the self-employed that offer health insurance today and employers currently spend approximately $922 million on health insurance premiums, which accounts for 11% of total payroll.

Dr. Thorpe also reviewed the major components of the Legislature’s proposed Green Mountain Health plan.

Senator Leddy asked for any questions from Commission members and then opened questions up to House and Senate members in attendance.

3. Health Care Information Technology

Catherine Benham, Staff Director, Commission on Health Care Reform, introduced Hans Kastensmith, Principal, Capitol Health Associates, who the Commission had chosen to examine hospital technology in Vermont.

Hans Kastensmith presented a time line for completion of his research for the Commission. He said by late March he would have recommendations and findings. He also said there may be creative ways to find funding with in the State and from the Federal Government for information technology in Vermont.

Senator Leddy then thanked staff for their good work.

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rachel Levin, Legislative Council

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