The rising cost of health care is an issue that deeply impacts every Vermonter. 

I am proud that the legislature and I were able to reach an extraordinary compromise on a health care reform bill.  With this legislation we have made enormous strides toward our goal of universally affordable health insurance. 

While the compromise on health care reached this year took an important step forward, there is more work to be done.  We must make some common sense reforms to give Vermonters more, lower cost options.

I believe Vermonters should be allowed to buy health insurance from other states or over the Internet.  In some states, high quality health insurance is available to individuals and families at a fraction of the cost we pay here in Vermont.

If we can purchase prescription drugs from other countries, we can surely find a way to allow Vermonters to purchase affordable health insurance from other states.

Also, we must encourage special health savings accounts for Vermonters. These accounts would allow Vermonters to save – tax free – for medical expenses.

These creative reforms are critical to our health care system and will allow all Vermonters to have access to the affordable health insurance they deserve.