Health care regulators consider double-digit rate hikes at some Vt. hospitals
WCAX
Health care regulators are considering double-digit increases for Vermont hospital budgets. If some of those new hospital budgets are approved, it would increase what you pay out of pocket.
Top health care regulators will begin considering hospital budgets this week. Like in recent years, health care costs are expected to rise.
“We’re doing more complex care. We are seeing more complex patients, more staff and costs are going up for staff. Equipment is also more expensive,” said Dr. Stephen Leffler of the UVM Medical Center.
Leaders of Vermont’s largest hospitals explained their proposed budgets.
The UVM Medical Center is asking for a 24% increase in the size of their net patient revenue, but what you’ll pay depends on your insurance and other factors.
Leaders say more patients are checking in with more complex and expensive symptoms. And things like medical inflation and increased wages for traveling nurses are also driving up costs.