Editorials

VTDigger This commentary is by Marvin Malek, MD MPH. He is an internist from Berlin. He is an active member of the Vermont Medical Society and Vermont Physicians for a National Health Program. The Legislature should pass H.766, the bill now being considered by the Vermont Senate that takes some first steps reining in the […]

Brattleboro Reformer The state’s latest health care reform efforts, once again, do not appear to address the most urgent problems Vermonters now face – access and affordability. Rather, they represent a doubling down on the failed approaches of the past eight years. It is critical that legislators block these efforts until clear descriptions and measurable […]

Manchester Journal By Karen Saunders “I’m a single mom who just got kicked off of Medicaid. There is no way I can afford a plan on the exchange.” “Having Medicaid took the load off the many challenges living with chronic illness comes with. I lost Medicaid, and the financial burden is now back on me.” […]

VTDigger This commentary is by Marvin Malek, MD MPH, of Berlin. He is an internist, an active member of the Vermont Medical Society and a longstanding member of Vermont Physicians for a National Health Program, which advocates for transforming Medicare into a universally available public insurance program. Drs. Smith, Vieth, et al, as well as […]

VTDigger Vermonters cannot let the UVM Health Network’s monopoly power increase further with this proposed change, nor allow it to weaken public regulation over hospital operations and costs. Senate bill S.211 is an attempt by the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems to free hospitals from appropriate and thoughtful budgetary regulation by the Green […]

Addison Independent (The bill referred to in this OpEd is listed as H59, it is actually H156). By Cheryl Mitchell In the past few years, we have heard, with growing alarm, the concern that changing demographics in Vermont will soon spell disaster. The Chamber of Commerce, our legislators, our school boards, our businesses, all warn […]

Vermont Standard   If I started the column with the title, “Medicare Disadvantage declares open season on seniors,” I don’t know about you, but I’d be moving on to something else to read. I’m sick and tired of the direct mail, ceaseless television commercials, and the phone calls. Does anyone fear the “Do not call […]

Brattleboro Reformer The Medicare program’s annual open enrollment period extends from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. During this period, beneficiaries can buy supplemental private insurance (Medigap plans) to cover Medicare’s substantial deductibles and copays. With this additional protection, beneficiaries incur virtually no out-of-pocket costs payments, can consult any hospital and doctor who has signed up […]

Brattleboro Reformer A recent letter to the editor by Abe Berman, Interim CEO of OneCare Vermont, attempted to make the case that OneCare was driving down the cost of care. The reality is that OneCare had worse results than the rest of the state, meaning Vermonters would have been better off without the ACO. Let […]

Rutland Herald With the Green Mountain Care Board’s approval of health insurance rate hikes on Aug. 8, premiums for Blue Cross individual plans have doubled in the decade since Vermont Health Connect was established. Health care costs are skyrocketing. Medical debt is rising. And providers are burning out and quitting the profession. Vermont’s health care […]