Rep. Poirier To Introduce Public Option

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A state representative from Barre is planning to introduce a bill to create a public health insurance option for the state of Vermont.

Independent Representative Paul Poirier says his proposal would use a 10 percent payroll tax and a tax on candy and soda to pay for subsidies to help low-income Vermonters afford the program.

Poirier says his plan would be different than a single-payer health care system. The Times Argus says that under Poirier’s plan Vermonters could still buy coverage from private insurance companies, but the state of Vermont would also offer its own health insurance plan.

A Vermont Senate committee is also expected to consider a single-payer health care system in the next legislative session.

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