Time is running out to keep Vermont hospitals afloat, according to research presented at Tuesday’s community hospital transformation meeting in Middlebury.
Since Springfield Hospital declared bankruptcy in 2019, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) has been investigating hospital sustainability. Now, with 9 of Vermont’s 14 hospitals operating at a loss, concerns are growing.
“We are at a true inflection point,” said GMCB Chair Owen Foster.
Community members gathered at the Isley Library in Middlebury, seeking answers on how Vermont will save its struggling hospital system.
“Their reserves are reaching alarmingly low levels,” said healthcare reform consultant Dr. Bruce Hamory.
This meeting was one of 14 held across the state this summer, stemming from a 2022 law aimed at reforming Vermont’s healthcare system. Residents listened to presentations and shared their suggestions and concerns.
The GMCB, the Agency of Human Services, and Dr. Hamory discussed various problems facing Vermont’s healthcare system, including changing demographics, the housing crisis, and issues with healthcare accessibility and affordability.
“Primary care is one of the most important things we can improve in this state,” said Foster.
Proposed solutions include reducing costs for primary care medical students, modernizing technology, increasing telehealth usage, extending primary care hours, and reducing administrative positions.
“We need to address it and fix it now; there’s no time to do anything else,” said Foster.
After these meetings, the GMCB and the Agency of Human Services can suggest changes. However, the healthcare reform law only mandates the need for change, not for hospitals to implement these suggestions.
“The way the statute was set up, local boards and local hospitals will make decisions,” said Foster.
A final meeting will be held online on Monday, and a complete report of findings from nearly 2,000 Vermonters and over 100 organizations will be released this fall.
