House advances bill directing Green Mountain Care Board to study prescription affordability

The House considered S.98, a bill that directs the Green Mountain Care Board to develop a plan exploring how Vermont might use existing regulatory structures to increase prescription drug affordability.

The member from Lincoln described the bill as a focused planning and capacity measure rather than creation of a prescription drug affordability board (PDAB) or immediate price controls. “S.98 is not establishing a prescription drug affordability board,” the presenter said, adding the bill instead gives the Green Mountain Care Board authority and resources to evaluate options, including lessons from other states and federal programs.

S.98 would:
- Direct the Green Mountain Care Board, in consultation with stakeholders, to deliver a preliminary plan to legislative committees by Jan. 1, 2025 and a final plan by Jan. 1, 2026.
- Create two new staff positions for the Board and appropriate $245,000 from the evidence‑based education and advertising fund to support those positions and $250,000 for contracting with subject‑matter experts.
- Require the Board to examine potential impacts on access, pharmacies and the supply chain and to consider litigation and regulatory constraints.

The House Health Care Committee recommended S.98 as amended; the Appropriations Committee also reviewed the bill and recommended passage in concurrence. Committee votes were reported in favor.

Next steps: House ordered third reading. If enacted, the Board must produce the preliminary and final reports on the statutory timetable, and the appropriations will be available for personnel and contracting as specified in the bill.