Supporters told the Appropriations Committee that taking a small portion of nonprofit insurers’ excess surplus could expand Cascade Care premium assistance; insurers and business groups warned the measure would destabilize nonprofit plans and raise costs for customers. The committee heard staff fiscal estimates but took no final vote on the bill.

House Bill 2283 would raise the medical-loss ratio to 90% for fully insured plans starting in 2027; patient groups and small-business advocates backed the change as a way to lower premiums, while major carriers warned it could destabilize markets and reduce consumer-facing services.

DFR Commissioner Kai Sampson told the House Appropriations Committee that suppressing rates cannot by itself control health‑care costs and that recent multi‑year losses on Medicare Advantage and exchange plans drove Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont toward a statutory intervention threshold; DFR has required action plans and tightened oversight while urging careful coordination with the Green Mountain Care Board.

Responding to constituent questions about insurance choice and affordability, Congressman Blake Moore described the HOPE Act to broaden health savings account options, the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act to standardize activity guidance through HHS, and telehealth legislation to expand access and lower costs.

Health insurance began as a method of protecting patients and keeping hospitals afloat. Then it became a for-profit industry. An excerpt from An American Sickness.

County benefits staff secured a renewal that holds Aetna gross premiums flat for 2,800 Medicare retirees by switching the Aetna pharmacy benefit to CVS Caremark. Kaiser’s fully insured plan proposes a 6% increase; members’ monthly contributions remain at approximately $93.84 (Aetna) and $93.60 (Kaiser).

TikTok video by Stories from Hawai‘i

AARP, Main Street Alliance members, small-business owners, farmers and several patients testified that rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits are driving painful choices between health coverage and basic needs, and could reduce workforce participation and entrepreneurship in some rural areas.

Legislation authorizes non-refundable corporate tax credits to enhance health insurance funding.

Governor designates $10 million to enhance healthcare affordability through tax credit adjustments.

Legislators approve funds to support reinsurance and subsidies for low-income Coloradans' healthcare.

Senator Kirkmeyer calls for Congressional action on rising healthcare costs impacting residents.

Commissioners award contract to Vericom for Delta County access control expansion.

City officials successfully negotiate moderate insurance rate increase while exploring future options.

Committee votes to adopt prescription pharmacy changes following formal discussion on proposals.