Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

The cost of health care is a growing problem in Vermont as it is around the country. Even those who are fortunate enough to have health coverage through their employer are spending more and more money on rising copays, deductibles and hidden costs. We know that if we do nothing, Vermont's health care spending will go up by one billion dollars in the next two years. Fortunately, in Vermont we have a group of committed people on the Health Care Reform Commission working to solve this crisis. In 2010, this commission has contracted with one of the worlds experts in health care system development. Dr. Hsaio will present some options for reforming our health care system in ways that will help get costs under control. In Vermont we have tackled the pressures that cause health care to become more and more expensive; unmanaged chronic diseases. We have started the Blueprint for Health to help providers and patients with chronic diseases get the preventive care they need. We have established a Health Information Technology fund to help Vermont doctors streamline their practice using the latest information technology. And finally, during my time in the legislature, Vermont has created an affordable health insurance plan called Catamount. Under the umbrella of Green Mountain Care, Vermonters can find a health care plan that fits their ability to pay. If you would like information or help applying for Catamount please contact the Campaign for Health Care Security. They have trained specialists ready to help Vermonters through the application process.

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