Green Mountain Care Board decision on hospital budget draws condemnation from UVM Health Network

The Green Mountain Care Board on Monday coordinated commercial premium rate increases at two of the University of Vermont Health Network Hospitals, drawing sharp reactions from operators of the state’s largest hospitals.

Earlier this summer, the University of Vermont Health Network called for an increase in private insurance rates. This effectively called for charging private insurance companies more for services provided in Vermont hospitals.

But on Monday, voicing concerns about the affordability of medical care for Vermonters, the Green Mountain Care Board approved a reduction in price increases at these hospitals.

Jessica Holmes, interim chairman of the Green Mountain Care Commission, said, “Each year, the need and cost of Vermont hospitals to ensure they have the resources they need to provide quality care in their communities. We are working hard to strike a balance with restraint.” Press release Monday. “This year, we have paid close attention to restoring financial stability to the hospital system and preserving access to healthcare.”

In July, the University of Vermont Health Network predicted a requested commercial premium rate increase of 19.9% ​​at the University of Vermont Medical Center and 14.52% at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin.

But on Monday, the board voted to approve a 14.77% increase at the University of Vermont Medical Center and a 12.5% ​​increase at the Central Vermont Medical Center.

Earlier this month, the board voted to approve a request for an 11.5% rate increase for Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. All three hospitals are part of the UVM Health Network.

Other Vermont hospitals either approved the proposed rate as requested or lowered it by just one percentage point.

The board’s decision was immediately condemned by the University of Vermont Health Network. In a statement, the network’s president and CEO, John Bramstead, said the decision “severely impacts our ability to serve patients, improve access and promote health equity.” rice field.

The board’s decision “could have a negative impact on access to care,” Brumstead warned.

For several weeks, the Green Mountain Care Board has been reviewing budget proposals for 14 nonprofit hospitals in Vermont.

Hospital management submits projected changes in patient revenues and changes in commercial insurance premiums to the board.

In contrast to Medicare and Medicaid, commercial health insurance can pass on premium increases to consumers through premium increases.

Board members expect increased Medicare reimbursement and increased funding from the Vermont Health Access Authority to offset some of the reductions in rate increases.

The agency is also becoming increasingly concerned about “the impact of healthcare costs on Vermont’s commercial rate payers and patient access to care,” according to Monday’s press release.