MONTPELIER, Vt.--The Vermont House has approved a plan that would provide health coverage to all of the state's residents.

The bill proposes a tax-financed health care system--similar to Canada's government-run health care program--that would provide universal access to primary and hospital care for all Vermonters beginning in 2007, and coverage for other medical needs by 2009. Under the plan, the state would create a Department of Health Care Administration to oversee health care regulation, planning and costs. Estimates of how much the program would cost taxpayers and what benefits would be covered will be studied by the legislature this summer and fall.

If the bill makes its way to Gov. James Douglas' desk, it may not escape his veto pen--he has said he strongly opposes the measure.