Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 33, § 1803 - Vermont health benefit exchange

Vermont health benefit exchange

The Department of Vermont Access must establish the Vermont Health Benefit Exchange, to be administered by the Department and an advisory committee.  The Exchange will be headed by a deputy commissioner.  The purpose of the Exchange is to provide individuals and employers access to qualified health plans.  The Exchange may contract with qualified entities or enter into intergovernmental agreements to fulfill the duties of the Exchange. 

To the extent allowed under the federal law, the Vermont Exchange may offer health benefits to additional populations than those covered under the federal law, including:

• Individuals or employers who are not qualified individuals or employers;
• Medicaid beneficiaries;
• Medicare beneficiaries;
• State and municipal employees;
• Workers’ compensation.

The Exchange may provide a unified, simplified administration process for health insurers for claims administration, benefit management, or billing.  The Exchange may also offer wellness programs or other services to health insurers providing services outside of the Exchange. 

The Vermont health benefit exchange may enter into data-sharing agreements with federal and state agencies or other state exchanges to carry out its responsibilities.  However, these agreements must include adequate protections for the confidentiality of the information to be shared and must be consistent with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.