Past Public Policy Updates

To:    VBSR Public Policy Committee
From:    Leslie Nulty, Chair
Health Care Reform Action Team
Date:    November 5, 2007
Re:    Team Recommendations

The Health Care Reform Action Team was tasked with

• Determining the cost of insurance and the impact on Vermont businesses.
• Evaluating the competitive disadvantage of providing responsible health care
• Evaluating the quality of insurance

We were also tasked with making recommendations on next steps for VBSR advocacy for the 2008 legislative session including the development of specific legislative initiatives and strategies to meet VBSR goals.  

To fulfill this charge the committee formed, held meetings (July 17, August 14,October 11, October 20) and communicated between meetings.  Meeting summaries are attached.

We had a small but active workgroup with members including: Don Meyer (Small Dog Electronics), Dr. Deb Richter, Russ Bennett (Northland Construction), Kelly Stoddard (American Cancer Society), Jimmy Leas (Law Office of Jimmy Leas), and Rob Michaleck (Ben and Jerry’s).  There were other interested VBSR members and resource people on our email distribution list.

The group has accomplished many of the stated goals and has:

• implemented a VBSR member survey (182 responses) that has provided us with compelling data in support of our current health care reform policy.  This data will be presented in a summary report and used as a basis for one or more press conferences at the start of the legislative session.
• Completed much of the background work for an economic modeling project to explore the impact of various health care financing options and system structures.
• Begun drafting public outreach materials (to be finalized this year) to assist in our grass-roots outreach to member (and other) businesses. We anticipate focusing 2008 activity on small local meetings organized by VBSR members and staff (including potential interns), but involving other members of local business communities, to sharpen and increase the business voice for health care system reform.  Will also be incorporated into our legislative testimony.

Given the current political resistance to implementing comprehensive system reform, the committee has also provided important strategy advice that will form the basis of a staff-developed 2008 health care reform workplan.   The committee members look forward to being a continued resource to staff in formulating plans, educating others about the impact of the current system on businesses, and options for future reform.