This commentary is by Patrick Flood of Woodbury. He is former commissioner of the Vermont Department of Mental Health and the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, and former deputy secretary of the Agency of Human Services.
Lately, there has been growing controversy about rising health care costs in Vermont and the central role the UVM Medical Center plays in creating these high costs. The Green Mountain Care Board recently approved UVMMC’s budget for 2025, but reduced the prices it charges insurance companies. The hospital has appealed the Board’s budget order.
But there’s more to this story. In the budget order, unnoticed by nearly everyone, GMCB regulators cited problems at UVMMC with the quality of care. On page 22 is the following: continue reading