2017 Pacesetter Prize Winner
Vermont Is Recognized for Affordability and Access
Why a Pacesetter Prize for Vermont?
Vermont is a proven national leader in providing accessible, affordable, quality health, and LTSS coverage for its residents. Vermont moved up from No. 19 in the 2011 Scorecard to No. 3 in 2017, exhibiting more improvement in Affordability and Access than any other state.
The state has also risen through the ranks in overall LTSS performance, moving from No. 20 in 2011 to No. 3 in 2017.
Success Highlights
- Vermont improved access to Medicaid and increased the percentage of low-income adults with disabilities that are covered by the program. This is partly due to Vermont’s outreach with community-based organizations to implement the Affordable Care Act.
- Since 2011, there has been no waiting list for home- and community-based services for people with high needs who qualify for a nursing home level of care.
- Affordability of home care and nursing home care also improved.
- Vermont reinvested savings to expand access to homemaker and adult day services for the moderate need population, or those who are not eligible for nursing home care.
- Vermont adjusted provider rates to help attract a high-quality, LTSS workforce to provide home care.
- Vermont expanded flexible LTSS funding options, including Adult Family Care.
What’s next for Vermont?
Vermont is aging more rapidly than the rest of the nation, with Vermonters over age 65 growing to 28 percent of the state’s population by 2030.
Fortunately for Vermonters, the state continues to build on its successes in creating robust LTSS systems. Vermont is making investments in its Medicaid information technology systems and identifying priority areas for the future. These include:
- A high-quality LTSS workforce;
- Increased funding for people with moderate needs;
- Partnerships to develop adequate, affordable housing options for people with complex needs; and
- Meaningful caregiver supports.