Criticism of Vermont's proposed all-payer model continues: 5 things to know

In advance of the pending vote on the all-payer draft agreement, Vermont's potential model continues to be scrutinized, the Times Argus reports.

Here's what you should know.

1. The Green Mountain Care Board could vote on the draft agreement Thursday. If approved Governor Peter Shumlin (D) and the federal government could sign the five year agreement into law.

2. The Joint Fiscal Office identified several benefits and risks associated with the model.

The all-payer model could lead to improved health outcomes and slower growth in healthcare costs. Medicare benefits would remain the same.

3. The organization also identified potential risks, including only 38 percent of services covered by Medicaid would be in the all-payer model. Nursing home care, particularly, could see increased cost pressure. The organization is also skeptical that Vermont's leadership is committed to the level needed to make an all-payer system successful.

The group also believes getting the state's payers on board would take "significant work and operational changes."

4. Gov. Shumlin's chief of healthcare reform Lawrence Miller said the administration is aware of the potential struggles but believes the state and government have ample time to properly execute the all-payer model.

5. Several healthcare organizations are supporting the model including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, the Vermont Medical Society, Vermont Legal Aid, the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and several area hospitals.

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