On Wednesday, May 25th, Govenor Shumlin joined VPIRG on a conference call to talk about the landmark health care law that was signed into law on May 26th. On the call were VPIRG’s Health Care Advocate Cassnadra Gekas, Dan Barlow from Vermont Buisnesses for Social Responsibility, Dr. Deb Richter from Vermont for Single Payer, and James Haslam from the Worker’s Center.
With the signing of Green Mountain Care into law, Vermont has become a leader for the rest of the country to follow in ensuring all its citizens have access to affordable health care, though this is only the beginning of the battle.
Next Thursday, Gov. Shumlin will sign into law the landmark health care bill (H.202) that puts Vermont on a clear path to a health care system that’s fair, covers everyone and puts medical decisions back in the hands of patients and providers – all without breaking the bank.
Surrounded by a happy group of moms, kids and public health advocates, Gov. Peter Shumlin signed into law the Midwife Bill which will require insurance companies cover midwifery care, including home births. The legislation will make it possible for more women and families to choose safe and less costly home birth options when their pregnancies are considered to be low-risk.
One of my favorite things about directing VPIRG is that by working with members like you and our partners across the state, we manage to get things done that my colleagues in other states can only dream about. Consider our list of accomplishments in the legislative session that just ended on Friday.
S.15 moved one step closer to the Governor’s desk today, thanks to hundreds of supporters who emailed their Representatives this week and joined us at the State House this morning. Nearly a hundred of moms, dads, and kids desended on the State House to voice their support for the bill by giving their Representatives personalized photographs.
The House Committee on Health Care has just passed the Midwife Bill (S.15). This bill would allow more couples to choose home births for their babies by requiring insurance companies to cover midwifery services, including home births.
The bill (S.15) is about choice, fairness, and cost savings.
This is a proud day for Vermonters. While other states are busy fighting federal reform and slashing their health care programs, Vermont has raised the bar with the passage of H.202. Our elected leaders deserve great credit for bucking the national trend and choosing patients over profits.
VPIRG has joined forces with the Vermont Birth Network, and a host of other organizations, to bring you an on-going art exhibit and a 3 week series of events focused on celebration, education, and conversation. All to help families stay safe, healthy and active as they expand – as well as to support the growing number of local businesses and care providers that share these ideals.
Thanks to everyone who called into the State House. Thanks to you we are one step closer to universal heath care!
Just minutes ago we got word that the State Senate is fast tracking the health care bill and will be voting on it today.
