VAHHS Update
Message From the CEO
It’s been a busy and noisy last several weeks in health care. We’ve had federal, state and local elections on top of it all. We cannot ignore the stress we feel, and know our neighbors feel, in this moment. But what we can do is act. We can lean into things that represent progress.
In Vermont, Where Almost Everyone Has Insurance, Many Can't Find or Afford Care
On a warm autumn morning, Roger Brown walked through a grove of towering trees whose sap fuels his maple syrup business. He was checking for damage after recent flooding. But these days, his workers' health worries him more than his trees'.
Vermont Health Connect open enrollment begins
Your health care could get a checkup as open enrollment opens.
Health Care Costs in Vermont Continue to Soar
The Community Health Centers of Burlington recorded 165,000 patient visits last year, 35,000 more than five years ago.
Green Mountain Care Board denies funding request submitted by Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
In its Oct. 4 letter to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, the Green Mountain Care Board denied the hospital's rate increase request of 4.7 percent, instead authorizing a 3.4 percent increase, stating "Vermont is confronting a health care affordability crisis."
OneCare Vermont to shut down
OneCare Vermont, an accountable care organization aiming to reform how health care in Vermont is paid for, will shut down at the end of 2025, the organization announced Wednesday.
Randolph hospital to hold forum about its future, cites ‘broken trust’ with consultant's report
White River Valley community members will discuss the future of their health care access next Tuesday.
Gifford Health Care uncovers inaccurate data in Oliver Wyman Report
Gifford Health Care is committed to partnering with state officials to achieve health care transformation based on accurate and comprehensive data.
Hospital association head calls on Care Board to retract health care report and apologize
The executive director of the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systemshas called on the Green Mountain Care Board to retract a report it commissioned on Vermont's health care system, acknowledge that "grossly inaccurate data underlies the hospital recommendations made," and apologize for the whole thing.
A Debate Over Data: Vt. hospitals question integrity of Green Mountain Care Board report
A report mandated by the legislature to prevent rural hospital closures and bankruptcies has been called into question by several hospitals.
Vermont hospitals say consultant's recommendations could create healthcare deserts
Hospital executives across Vermont are not pleased with a report on the state's health care system released by the Green Mountain Care Board last month, some seeing it as an existential threat based on faulty information.
Two nonprofits inspire future healthcare workers with First Aid Field Day
In an effort to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, two local nonprofit organizations hosted a dynamic First Aid Field Day on Saturday.
Vermont hospitals report runs into furor over allegations of inaccurate data
Last month, a consultant released a sweeping report that recommended big changes for Vermont’s health care system, including “major restructuring” at four community hospitals.
Rick Hildebrant: Green Mountain Care Board fail
It has become increasingly clear the Green Mountain Care Board has failed to fulfill its mission to drive system-wide improvements in access, affordability and quality of health care in Vermont.
UVM Medical Center takes legal action in effort to prevent additional patient care cuts
On Monday, University of Vermont Medical Center filed a motion with the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) to delay a board order that penalizes the hospital for delivering necessary care to patients in fiscal year 2023.
Howard Center unveils new mental health urgent care unit
A new resource is now available for anyone facing mental health issues in the Queen City.
Hospital report deserves a critical look
When I was a high school math teacher my students were regularly tested on their skills and problem-solving ability. The tests did a decent job of measuring what they were designed to measure and provided useful feedback.
How can Vermont lawmakers, governor mend a broken health care system?
Vermont Public has traveled the state in recent months to find out what issues Vermonters care about most this election season, and for many of you, health care is at the top of the list.
Grace Cottage Hospital pushes back on restructuring report
About 100 people showed up to a community meeting in Townshend on Thursday to show support for Grace Cottage Hospital, the smallest hospital in the state.
Author of landmark Vermont hospital report admits errors, but stands by conclusions
A 144-page report released last month describes a dire near-future for Vermont’s hospitals, which are some of the most expensive in the country.