Vermont Lawmakers Voice Concerns Over UVM Health Network Service Cuts
Burlington, Vt. — A group of Vermont lawmakers has expressed significant concern regarding recent service reductions announced by the University of Vermont Health Network, which were required to comply with budget orders from the Green Mountain Care Board. The board mandated a $122 million revenue decrease, prompting the health network to limit overnight patient stays at the University of Vermont Medical Center, merge family medicine sites in the Mad River Valley and Central Vermont Medical Center, and close the inpatient psychiatric unit at CVMC.
Among those raising alarms were Rep. Anne Donahue, Rep. Leslie Goldman, and Sen. Andrew Perchlik. They highlighted the potential negative impact of these cuts on vulnerable patient populations, particularly those experiencing mental health crises. Sen. Perchlik emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the regulatory system in Vermont, questioning whether financial targets overshadow patient care considerations.
The Green Mountain Care Board indicated that, had it been consulted, it would have proposed alternative measures for the revenue reductions. In a parallel news conference, Dr. Steve Leffler, president of the UVM Medical Center, stressed the challenging nature of these decisions and advocated for a collaborative approach to tackle Vermont’s broader demographic and fiscal challenges.
Leffler called for unity among state officials, regulators, and healthcare providers to relieve pressure on the commercial insurance market. He conveyed optimism about the potential for constructive dialogue to emerge from ongoing discussions, stating that maintaining access to healthcare is vital for attracting residents to Vermont.
The lawmakers asserted that prioritizing discussions about healthcare regulation and access would be crucial in the forthcoming weeks and months, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both hospital sustainability and patient needs.
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