Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin says he's cautiously optimistic that in several weeks the state will have an agreement with the federal government for an "all-payer waiver" to change how health care providers are paid.
Shumlin traveled to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday where he said he had very productive meetings with the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Shumlin wants to switch from a fee-for-service to an outcome-based system that he says will reduce health care costs and improve care.
Vermont and the federal government must agree on the amount of money the state would receive over five years.
Shumlin says if an agreement is reached, the state would hold public meetings on the proposal before any deal is signed.
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