Vt. proposes $235 million healthcare reform plan

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas proposed a five-year, $235 million plan for statewide healthcare coverage and reforms to focus medical care on chronic conditions. A 3% tax on health insurance premiums would raise an estimated $20 million, for a total annual funding pool of $47 million with federal matching funds. The state would spend $100 million over the five years on cost-control initiatives, including technology grants for providers. The plan would offer subsidized coverage for some of Vermont's 62,000 uninsured and strive to enroll others in Medicaid. Read the news release. -- by Tony Fong