Peter Welch actually said...

"I want to thank Commissioner LaFleur for coming to Vermont."

"Vermont does have a law. Since 1987 it has banned balance billing in the emergency department settings only."

"But I don't believe it should fairly fall on the shoulders of a consumer who shows up and is absolutely powerless and had nothing to do with creating the mess in the first place."

"Protecting patients, however, must be put at the forefront of this discussion and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do just that."