Affordable Health Care for All
Vermont is a leader in health care reform. We would do well to continue that leadership by enacting a "public option" within Vermont's Green Mountain Health Care servcies.
I feel we would do well to continue to push for universal coverage. I'm not a fudamentalist as to how that's arrived at- my primary objective being we help everyone find a "medical home", A home , as Robert Frost defines it, as,"that place where when you have to go there, they have to take you in."
Those fortunate enough to have such a medical home , and their provider(s) might well agree. a medical home is the best envirnment for the best medical practices.
While "Single payer options" appear attractive, details are still needed beyond that headline as to which model would work best in this country. Some European models contain costs by limiting access to care, especially for their elders. Mental Health coverage in European models is also not consistent. Some European models do include what we refer to as "alternatives'. In England, Homeopathy is readily acceptable- perhaps in part because it is practices by the royal family. I would hope this can also be included in any American or Vermont reform system
Further more, how would any single payer system be paid for,is still not clearly defined. New taxes would be inevitable if we move away from a system that is primarily paid for by employers.
I would suggest a mix of progressive income tax and "sin taxes" on alchohol and tobacco.
Starting with Gov. Dean's challenge to provide universal coverage for our children (which has been accomplished with his Dr. Dynasaur program) Vermont still leads the nation in health care reform.
Below is some information on what is happeningin Vermont and how you can access service...
Green Mountain Health Care
Vermont Expands Health Coverage
Green Mountain Care includes existing programs such as Dr. Dynasaur, Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP), and Medicaid, as well as the new Catamount Health program - now with expanded coverage options.
Prescription Assistance is also available for uninsured Vermonters and those with insurance such as Medicare.
There may be a program for you, no matter how much you earn. Call 1-800-250-8427 or complete the Green Mountain Care Screening Tool today to find out which program is right for you! If you would prefer someone from Green Mountain Care call you, please fill out our contact form.
Vermonters who need long-term care services either in their home or a nursing facility may qualify for financial assistance through the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). Visit the DAIL Web site to find out if you meet both the clinical and financial requirements.
Vermont's Health Care Reform
Making quality and affordable health care available for all Vermonters
Affordable, comprehensive and quality health care is essential for the well-being of Vermonters. Health care costs are rising; access to affordable insurance is limited; and our health care system is not designed to promote wellness, manage chronic conditions, or provide consumers with information to make informed choices.
That is why Governor Jim Douglas and the Vermont General Assembly created sweeping health care reform legislation in 2006, and additional legislation in 2007 and 2008.
With over 60 specific initiatives, this reform is designed to increase access, improve the quality, and contain cost of health care for Vermonters.
Click here for Overview & Status Reports of Vermont's Health Care Reform:
- Health Care Reform Overview (PDF)
- Implementation and Reports
Green Mountain Health CareCatamount Health is the compromise plan worked out last year to bridge the gap between the governor’s insistence on reform coming from within the current structure and the Democratic push for a single payer-universal plan.
We’re moving forward with Catamount BUT, we’re also planning to implement a universal , single payer plan in 2012 if it doesn’t meet the desired outcomes.
What that means is we’re building a new structure for health care coverage in Vermont. It will address the concerns of inclusiveness, quality and cost control.
What we’ve done so far is pour the foundation and start the first floor of this new structure. Then, we’ll continue adding more floors until everyone is covered. If that happens with existing insurance companies, fine. If not, we have Plan B waiting to step in.
Phase One of implementation starts in October.
This will allow those who have been without any health insurance for the past 12 months to sign up and avail themselves of health care coverage.
Catamount Health will provide a comprehensive set of health services, with the premium depending on income. To find out if you qualify go to www.hcr.vt.gov or call 1-800-250-8427.