Legislators are weighing how to reform current medical assistance programs as the state moves toward a larger overhaul of the health care system.
The centerpiece of Governor Peter Shumlin’s health care budget proposal calls for the Catamount Health program for the underinsured to be folded into the traditional Medicaid program.
The news Web site VTDigger.org reports that would save the state six million dollars.
At the same time, it’s designed to reduce by up to 42 percent the premiums that Catamount beneficiaries pay.
Doctors say they’re concerned the plan will hurt the broader reform effort because they would have to accept lower reimbursements for the care they provide. And hospitals would have to pay a higher provider tax.