Rep. Brian Cina

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans and Vermont Medicaid to cover biomarker testing when supported by specific evidence, such as FDA approvals, drug labels, or nationally recognized clinical guidelines. It directly affects patients needing these tests (e.g., for cancer diagnosis or treatment) and insurers/Medicaid, mandating coverage for tests analyzing genes, proteins, or other biological markers in blood or tissue. Key provisions include limiting disruptions in care (e.g., avoiding repeated biopsies) and defining biomarker testing broadly to include advanced genetic sequencing. The requirement takes effect January 1, 2026, for new plans, with Medicaid coverage pending CMS approval.

Maddy summaryHCR 8 is a procedural resolution designating January 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Advocacy Day" at the Vermont State House. It symbolically recognizes the importance of mental health care parity with physical health care, referencing Vermont law (8 V.S.A. § 4089b) that requires equal treatment. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share a copy with mental health advocacy organizations present at the State House on that date. This is a ceremonial gesture with no new policy or funding changes, solely intended to highlight ongoing advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program to cover pregnant individuals with incomes up to 312% of the federal poverty level (FPL), effective January 2026. It also requires the Agency of Human Services to study and report by January 2026 on the feasibility and costs of expanding Dr. Dynasaur to all Vermont residents under 26 with incomes at or below 312% FPL, and Medicaid to adults aged 26-64 with incomes at or below 312% FPL. The bill appropriates $600,000 for implementing the pregnant individual eligibility change, with $180,000 from the General Fund and $420,000 in federal funds. The report must address federal waiver needs, cost estimates, and implementation timelines for potential broader expansions. This is a policy change focused on expanding healthcare access for specific income groups, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryH.112 provides medical debt relief for Vermont residents by appropriating $1 million to contract with a nonprofit to purchase and erase qualifying medical debt. It directly affects Vermonters with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or those owing medical debt equal to 5% or more of their household income. The bill prohibits credit bureaus from reporting medical debt on credit reports and bans healthcare providers from submitting such debt to credit agencies. It requires debt relief contractors to remove adverse credit information after debt abolition, ensuring no cost or tax impact for affected residents.

Maddy summaryH 92 requires Vermont's Human Services Board to make fair hearing proceedings more transparent and accessible for people challenging decisions about benefits or services. The bill mandates two key changes: (1) allowing applicants a reasonable uninterrupted speaking time during hearings, and (2) requiring hearing officers and agency attorneys to use plain language instead of legal jargon. This directly affects individuals who dispute human services decisions, such as those involving welfare, disability, or housing assistance. The bill aims to simplify the process without altering the underlying eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryH 81 requires Vermont's Governor to obtain prior approval from the General Assembly before entering into certain federal immigration enforcement agreements (specifically those under 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g) and 19 U.S.C. § 1401(i)). The bill mandates a 60-day notice period before a vote, during which the Governor must provide the full agreement text, an analysis of fiscal/social/legal impacts, and hold public hearings. It also prohibits such agreements if the General Assembly isn't in session and requires annual reporting to legislative committees on related discussions. This directly affects the Governor and state agencies that might enter these agreements, adding a legislative review step to federal immigration partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care entities (like hospitals, clinics, and insurers with $1 million+ in annual revenue) to notify Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board and Attorney General before certain major transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or ownership changes. The Board, working with the Attorney General, must review these transactions and decide whether to approve them, approve with conditions, or disapprove them. It also prohibits corporations from interfering with doctors' clinical decisions or professional judgment. Additionally, the bill mandates public reporting on ownership and control of covered health care entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont public schools to adopt and enforce inclusive policies aligned with state education standards. It prevents schools from implementing federal mandates that conflict with Vermont's equity and inclusivity standards. The Vermont Agency of Education gains authority to provide guidance and support to schools resisting such conflicting federal requirements. The bill directly affects all public schools and the state education agency, focusing on preempting federal policy conflicts rather than creating new school obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont's Department of Health to create and maintain an emergency stockpile of essential medications for reproductive health care (like contraceptives and pregnancy termination drugs) and gender-affirming care (including puberty blockers and hormone therapies). The stockpile must be strategically placed across the state, with priority for underserved and rural communities, and managed through specific procurement, storage, and distribution rules. The Department must report annually by January 15 on stock levels, usage, and future supply needs. The bill aims to ensure ongoing access to these medications during potential shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 55) requires all health insurance plans in Vermont - including Medicaid - to cover gender-affirming health care services that are medically necessary and clinically appropriate, such as facial procedures and hair removal, without extra cost-sharing. It also mandates coverage for fertility-related services, including diagnostic care, IVF procedures, fertility preservation (like egg freezing), and related medications, while prohibiting financial barriers or restrictions based on donor use. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage for these services based on factors like donor sperm or eggs, though it excludes experimental procedures and nonmedical costs (e.g., donor fees). Insurers must report compliance annually to state health committees, and the Agency of Human Services must seek federal approval for Medicaid coverage changes. The bill directly affects all Vermont health insurers, Medicaid, and individuals seeking these specific health services.