The group that oversees virtually every aspect of health care in the state, the Green Mountain Care Board, went to the Northeast Kingdom to explain how policies will be marketed and bought next year through an online healthcare exchange.
Beginning in January, all individuals and businesses with fewer than 50 employees will have to purchase their health insurance on the Exchange.
So far, only Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP Healthcare, have committed to selling policies on the Exchange. At the special meeting in Newport, Jay Peak Resort owner Bill Stenger said he would like to see more competition and lower rates.
“Despite your performance it seems that even in good years double digit performances are just another day," Stenger said.
Board Chair Anya Rader Wallack predicted that rates will increase less steeply as costs are reined in. If providers cannot justify rate increases she says the Board will step in and reduce them.
The exchange, called Vermont Health Connect, is scheduled to begin taking applications in October.
