Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, § 9371 - Principles for health care reform under the health law

“Principles for health care reform under the health law”

The state legislature adopts the following principles as a framework for reforming health care in Vermont:

• The state must ensure universal access to and coverage for high-quality, medically necessary health services for all Vermonters regardless of their ability to pay for services.
• Overall health care costs must be contained and growth in health care spending in Vermont must balance the health care needs of the population with the ability to pay for such care.
• The health care system must be transparent in design, efficient in operation, and accountable to the people it serves. The state must ensure public participation in the design, implementation, evaluation, and accountability mechanisms of the health care system.
• Primary care must be preserved and enhanced so that Vermonters have care available to them within their own communities. Other aspects of Vermont's health care infrastructure must be supported in such a way that all Vermonters, including those in rural areas, have access to necessary health services.
• Every Vermonter should be able to choose his or her health care providers.
• Vermonters should be aware of the costs of the health services they receive. Costs should be transparent and easy to understand.
• Individuals have a personal responsibility to maintain their own health and to use health resources wisely, and all individuals should have a financial stake in the health services they receive.
• The health care system must recognize the primacy of the relationship between patients and their health care practitioners, respecting the professional judgment of health care practitioners and the informed decisions of patients.
• Vermont's health delivery system must seek continuous improvement of health care quality and safety and of the health of the population and promote healthy lifestyles.
• Vermont's health care system must operate as a partnership between consumers, employers, health care professionals, hospitals, and the state and federal government.