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Bill

S 199

An act relating to establishing the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ann Cummings and 6 co-sponsors

Establishes a statewide Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program to lower out-of-pocket costs for residents by providing negotiated discounts at participating pharmacies.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 199

Summary of Bill S.199 (Session 2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

S.199 proposes establishing the Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. The core goal is to help Vermonters access prescription medications at discounted prices, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs for consumers, increase affordability, and improve adherence to prescribed therapies.

Key provisions and changes

  • Program establishment: Creates a statewide Vermont Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. The program would presumably issue discount cards to residents to secure lower prices on prescription medicines.
  • Administration and governance: The bill would set up the administrative framework for implementing the program, including oversight mechanisms (likely under a state health or welfare agency) to manage enrollment, partnerships, and compliance.
  • Discounts and pricing mechanics: The program would leverage negotiated discounts or price reductions, potentially through participating pharmacies and wholesalers, to provide reduced drug costs to cardholders. It may specify that discounts are available at point of sale and applicable to a broad range of prescription medications.
  • Eligibility and enrollment: Vermont residents would be eligible to obtain the discount cards. The bill would outline enrollment methods (e.g., online, mail, or in-person) and any required information from applicants.
  • Partnerships and providers: The program would authorize or encourage partnerships with pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, and other stakeholders to secure discounts and facilitate use at participating locations.
  • Funding and administration costs: The bill would address funding sources for implementation and ongoing administration, including potential state funds, grants, or program fees. It may also specify acceptable uses of funds and annual reporting requirements.
  • Coordination with existing programs: Provisions may call for coordination with federal programs (e.g., Medicare/Medicaid) and other state initiatives to avoid duplication and maximize savings.
  • Data and privacy: The bill would establish privacy protections for personal health information collected in the course of program enrollment and use, and outline data reporting requirements to the state.

Who would be affected

  • Individual consumers in Vermont: Residents who need prescription medications could benefit from discounted prices at participating pharmacies.
  • Pharmacies and pharmacy networks: Participating pharmacies would engage in discount arrangements, handle card transactions, and report usage data as required.
  • State health/welfare agencies: Agencies would administer the program, track savings, manage funding, ensure compliance, and report outcomes.
  • Healthcare and social service providers: Providers may assist patients in obtaining cards and utilizing discounts as part of care coordination.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction/1st reading: The bill had its 1st reading and was referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare on January 6, 2026.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the committee would consider testimony, potential amendments, and a subsequent vote before moving to latter stages (e.g., committee motion, floor votes). Timelines would depend on committee workflow and legislative schedules.
  • Implementation timeline (not specified in available text): If enacted, the bill would typically include a phased rollout (e.g., pilot phase, full program launch) and setting of performance metrics.

Notes

  • The bill lists several co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan or broad support from legislators (e.g., Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Wendy Harrison, Ruth Hardy, Ginny Lyons, Martine Gulick, Ann Cummings, Becca White).

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential costs, anticipated savings ranges, or compare with similar state programs to provide more context on expected impact and implementation challenges.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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