VAHHS Update
Vt. hospitals partner to help babies in need of critical care
A new partnership between Vermont hospitals could be a lifesaver for babies in need of critical care. The technology connects rural doctors with specialists at the UVM Medical Center.
Waterbury Ambulance, Copley Hospital react to growing costs for new facility projects
Mounting development costs to build a new ambulance station and medical offices along Route 100 in Waterbury Center have Waterbury Ambulance Service leaders eyeing a new site downtown and Copley Hospital officials asking the state to revise its project approval.
As Vermont records its 1,000th Covid death, hospitalizations tick up
Statewide hospital admissions related to Covid rose to 25 in the past week, a distinct increase but still far below previous peaks of the virus.
Efforts to tackle the growing mental health crisis in Addison county
There was a meeting of minds in Middlebury on Thursday when Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint, Vermont Mental Health Commissioner Alison Krompf and other state leaders met to discuss the growing mental health crisis in Addison County.
Rutland Regional Medical Center presents budget, eyes rate increase
Rutland Regional Medical Center made its case for a 5.6% rate increase to state health care regulators this week.
UVM Medical Center research could boost quality of life for cancer patients
New research from the University of Vermont Medical Center could provide a big boost in the quality of life for some cancer patients with deadly blood clots.
Attacks at US medical centers show why health care is one of the nation's most violent fields
Word spread through an Oregon hospital last month that a visitor was causing trouble in the maternity ward, and nurses were warned the man might try to abduct his partner’s newborn.
Vermont regulators trim health insurance premium increases
The two insurance companies that offer health care plans through Vermont Health Connect to individuals and small employers will be able to increase premiums by double digits in 2024.
Vermont's health insurance premiums will rise, hospitals seek 'recovery budgets'
Insurance rates are set to spike next year after the Green Mountain Care Board this week approved rate increases for the state’s largest insurance companies.
VAHHS and Hospital Leaders Seek GMCB Support for ‘Recovery Budgets’ as Part of Annual Hospital Budget Review
The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (VAHHS) urged the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) to approve hospital budgets as submitted ahead of the annual hearings before the regulatory body beginning this week.
Vermont hospitals’ proposed 2024 budget increases vary widely
Nearly all of Vermont’s hospitals are seeking double-digit percentage increases in income from patient services for 2024 over 2022, setting the stage for a likely battle with health care regulators.
Vt. hospitals urge regulators to sign off on budget requests
Vermont hospital leaders are urging the Green Mountain Care Board to sign off on their historic budget requests ahead of the budget review on Wednesday.
BMH, Grace Cottage showing healthy recovery from pandemic stress
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital initiated a lockdown Friday night after two men arrived with gunshot wounds.
GMCB announces start of statewide community engagement project
Today, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) announced the start of the statewide community engagement project to support hospital transformation. Guided by the legislature’s directive in Act 167 of 2022, this project will identify community-informed opportunities to improve the sustainability of Vermont’s health care system.
Vermont health regulators weigh double-digit premium hikes
The Green Mountain Care Board plans to release 2024 rates for individual and small group health insurance plans purchased through the state exchange next week. Insurers have requested increases in the double digits due to rising health care costs.
State offers special health insurance enrollment period, extended Medicaid benefits to flood survivors
Vermont is offering a special health insurance enrollment period and extended Medicaid benefits to people impacted by last month’s historic flooding.
Expenses driving up hospital spending
Porter Medical Center (PMC) officials are seeking state approval of a fiscal year 2024 budget that projects $140 million in expenses, reflecting a $23 million increase compared to the $117 million originally budgeted for FY’23.
Vermont hospitals request historic budget hikes
Vermont’s 14 hospitals have submitted their proposed budgets for next year.
St. Johnsbury hospital celebrates expansion of mental health wing
Northern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury is celebrating a partial completion of a $22 million addition to the hospital.
Grace Cottage Hospital cuts ribbon on new emergency department
A newly redesigned and expanded emergency department, as well as a new covered entrance for ambulances, will be put to use early next week at Grace Cottage Hospital.