Vermont officials are beginning to provide details about how the state plans to carry out its new publicly financed healthcare program.

Meanwhile, state representatives Michael Fisher and Ann Pugh introduced a bill proposing regulatory changes for health insurers, health coverage and providers in order to move forward with the development of Green Mountain Care, the state's healthcare program.

The legislation, which Gov. Pete Shumlin signed in May , would allow Vermont to comply with the federal health benefits exchange requirements for 2014 and then use the exchange as a platform for the state's program, according to one of the reports.

Financing plans are expected to be sent to state House and Senate committees next year.

The bill identified eight proposed changes, including merging the individual and small group insurance markets; giving the Green Mountain Care board authority over health insurer rate reviews, hospital budget reviews and certificate of need processes; and authorizing the state's health agency to seek waivers from the CMS.

The Vermont Agency of Administration submitted two reports, one of which focused on the implementation of Green Mountain Care and the other on the state's health benefits exchange.

The administration agency said in the exchange report, it recommends that Vermont allow individuals and small groups to buy coverage from the exchange. It also recommends that small groups are defined as employers with 100 employees or less.

Recommendations in the Green Mountain Care report include drug cost-containment strategies, such as promoting generic drug use; allowing a market for supplemental insurance; and providing out-of-state coverage to young adults under the age of 26.