WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vt. Senate to consider single-payer
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Montpelier, Vermont - April 20, 2011
The Vermont Senate is getting set to vote on the big health reform bill, putting the state one step closer to a single-payer system.
The bill passed in the House and Sen. John Campbell, D-Vt. President Pro Tem, said he expect the Senate to take up the issue Thursday and probably vote on Friday.
The Senate will be looking at some changes to the plan, including an amendment requested by IBM that basically helps the company avoid being taxed to pay for a single-payer system if the company remains self-insured and outside the state plan. WCAX News asked Campbell if that will fly?
"Right now we're waiting to hear back from the committee to see exactly what their recommendation would be. And of course whenever a committee amendment is presented to a committee, we always will listen to them first, and make a decision at that time. We have not heard back from them yet on that what their response to that is. But the one thing I think is important to know is that the self-insured plans, of course, they will not be touched under this program. And I think IBM is aware and I think that from what I understand, they're comfortable with the current plan and also that amendment. So I believe they feel comfortable that it will go through. However, we have to hear from our health and welfare committee first," Campbell said.
Watch the live interview with Sen. John Campbell for more.
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