The Senate Committee on Health & Welfare reviewed S.14, a bill that would expand income eligibility for pregnant individuals under Vermont’s Dr. Dynasaur program from 208 percent to 312 percent of the federal poverty level and direct the Agency of Human Services to study broader eligibility expansions for other groups.

“For the record, I’m Ruth Hardy. I’m from the Addison District,” said Sen. Ruth Hardy as she introduced S.14. Hardy summarized the core change: "So what this bill would do is move pregnant people from 2 0 8 to 3 12. So when somebody’s pregnant, they can get the prenatal care and all of the stuff that they need in order to deliver a healthy baby so that the mom and the baby are both on the same, eligibility level." The proposal also asks the agency to return to the committee with a report on feasibility of further expansions.

Staff described the bill’s main sections. Section 1 directs the secretary of human services to extend Dr. Dynasaur coverage to pregnant individuals of any age whose modified adjusted gross income is at or below 312 percent of the federal poverty level. Section 2 directs the Agency of Human Services to examine whether federal approvals—such as an amendment to Vermont’s Global Commitment to Health Section 1115 demonstration or another federal waiver—would be needed to expand Dr. Dynasaur to residents up to age 26 with incomes at or below 312 percent and to expand Medicaid eligibility for adults aged 26–64 to the same income level. The agency must develop timelines, cost estimates, and a proposed implementation plan.

The draft bill requires the Agency of Human Services to report back to the committee by Jan. 15, 2026, on the feasibility, costs (programmatic and technological), waiver needs, and likely timelines for any expansion. Section 3 in the draft appropriates $600,000 to AHS to implement the pregnant‑individual eligibility expansion, allocated as $180,000 general fund and $420,000 federal match; staff said the appropriation is sized for a half‑year because the coverage would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Committee members discussed potential market effects: several senators noted that extending public coverage for younger, generally healthier people could shift the commercial insurance risk pool and affect premiums. Members also asked about current coverage differences—commercial plans already allow dependents up to age 26—so the bill’s study portion would need to account for who would move from commercial to public coverage and the resulting fiscal effects.

Senators signaled interest in taking testimony and further analysis. The committee did not vote on S.14 during the recorded session; staff and members agreed to schedule follow‑up hearings and to include S.14 on an early bill list along with S.18 for additional review.