Advocacy
BRS is an advocate for our members. We seek opportunities to work with vendors, insurance regulators and lawmakers to promote access for our members to quality health insurance products and to optimize their value:
- BRS routinely works with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont to design plans that encourage cost reduction and containment. Our renewal rates for premiums have consistently been lower than others in the industry.
- BRS was a driving force behind bringing MSA’s and HSA products into Vermont, and has continues to support initiatives that provide increased consumer choices and awareness.
- BRS requested party status from BISHCA for the Fletcher Allen Renaissance Project hearings because we were concerned about the impact the additional costs would have on health insurance rates. We felt the plans were too big, and the projected costs were grossly underestimated, even at $150,000,000. While we didn’t prevail at the hearing, unfortunately our initial concerns eventually proved to be true.
- We continuously monitor health care reform initiatives from Montpelier for impact on the cost and availability of health insurance. We’ve led the way to raise awareness among lawmakers of the impact of Medicaid cost shifting on health insurance premiums. We are working to make sure that the cost of Catamount Health is sustainable and that it won’t add to the cost shift. We are supporting efforts to enroll eligible Vermonters and reduce the number of uninsured. We also proposed numerous reforms that will improve safety, transparency and bend the cost curve.
