Vermont Considers Universal Health Plan

MONTPELIER, Vt.–The Vermont House has approved a plan that
would provide health coverage to all of the state’s residents.

The bill proposes a tax-financed health care system–similar to
Canada’s government-run health care program–that would provide
universal access to primary and hospital care for all Vermonters
beginning in 2007, and coverage for other medical needs by 2009.
Under the plan, the state would create a Department of Health Care
Administration to oversee health care regulation, planning and
costs. Estimates of how much the program would cost taxpayers and
what benefits would be covered will be studied by the legislature
this summer and fall.

If the bill makes its way to Gov. James Douglas’ desk, it may
not escape his veto pen–he has said he strongly opposes the
measure.