Witnesses back transparency for outsourced medical services but warn against rules that would cripple independent providers

Committee members heard testimony from a business representative with interest in sections of the bill that address provider bargaining groups and outsourced medical services. The speaker said they "are pretty close in concept" with the Green Mountain Care Board on limiting bargaining group authority so it cannot bargain over reference‑based pricing, while preserving bargaining groups for other topics.

The witness voiced support for transparency so state boards can review contracts for outsourced medical services, but warned against imposing requirements that would force independent contractors to be billed through hospitals or otherwise add burdens that would make their businesses unable to operate. The transcript gives the example of independent emergency medical services that do their own billing and would be affected if the hospital had to bill on their behalf.

Committee members also raised provider tax questions tied to outsourced services payments and noted the hospital association may have additional information about tax treatment. The chair indicated the issue is part of ongoing conversations and that additional testimony and staff work are forthcoming. No formal action or vote took place on these sections during this meeting.