Vermont

Vermont will receive over $195 million in RHTP funding in FY2026, among the highest per capita in the US. Funds support system transformation, with specific uses including technology, workforce, chronic disease management, and new care models. The implementation plan for Vermont's use of these funds is still being determined. Event schedule: - By Timothy Page on , 2025 • ( 17 Comments ) - December 31 - Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

SVMC has secured a $2 million RHTF grant to expand its adolescent inpatient mental health unit. The project required an amendment to the Certificate of Need due to a material increase in costs, primarily from expanded space, enhanced safety/security, and inflationary pressures. SVMC is also seeking selective FGI waivers to support a care model prioritizing patient safety and healing environments. Key contacts: James Trimarchi james.timarchi@svhealthcare.org; Samantha Sweet Samantha.Sweet@vermont.gov; Ronald Zimmerman Ronald.Zimmerman@svhealthcare.org; Samantha Sweet Samantha.Sweet@vermont.gov Event schedule: - Amendment request submission date - 10/14/2026 - Green Mountain Care Board, Montpelier, VT - Initial CON approval date - 03/15/2025 - Green Mountain Care Board - Variance Request Letter Date - 2026-06-09 - 00:00 local - Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Bennington, VT

This application solicits proposals to expand dialysis and ventilator services in licensed Vermont nursing facilities, targeting unmet rural health needs. Applicants must demonstrate risk management, internal controls, and sustainability planning. The program prioritizes improving access to specialized care for rural populations. Key contacts: AHS.DAILRHTGrant@Vermont.gov Event schedule: - Application Due Date - 04/10/2026 - 4:30 PM

The Vermont Rural Health Transformation Program is soliciting applications to expand dialysis and ventilator services in rural skilled nursing facilities. Proposals must include partnerships with ESRD providers (for dialysis) and Acute Care or Critical Access Hospitals (for ventilator services). Awards will be based on alignment with program narrative, qualifications, and sustainability of plans. Key contacts: AHS.DAILRHTGrant@Vermont.gov; ahs.rht@vermont.gov Event schedule: - Grant Application Due - 04/10/2026 - 4:30 PM ET - Review Team Determines Awards - 04/10/2026 - 04/30/2026 - ET - Grantees Notified of Awards - 05/01/2026 - ET - Grant Execution Deadline - 08/01/2026 - ET - Year-1 Funds Fully Spent - 09/30/2027 - ET

The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems is pursuing advocacy and voluntary measures to address Medicare cost sharing for Critical Access Hospitals, including congressional action, regulatory comments, and patient education. The letter raises concerns about the intersection of federal and state authority regarding Medicare payment requirements. It includes a template for hospitals to notify patients of cost sharing obligations and available assistance. Key contacts: Michael Del Trecco Event schedule: - Stakeholder comment on OPPS proposed rule - 07/2026

This rule establishes the procedures and standards for annual hospital budget review by Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board, including benchmarks, guidance, reporting requirements, and corrective actions for budget deviations. It mandates transparency through public hearings, enables mid-year and prior year budget reviews, and aligns with statewide health care reform principles. Event schedule: - Rule Effective Date - June 15, 2026 - General Hospital Budget Submission Deadline - July 1 - Psychiatric Hospital Budget Submission Deadline - December 1 - General Hospital Budget Establishment Decision - October 1 - Psychiatric Hospital Budget Establishment Decision - December 31

Copley Hospital’s FY26 budget narrative details major strategic shifts, including closing the Birthing Center (transitioning to a regional model) and aquatic therapy, and adding a fourth operating room in response to increased surgical demand and regional needs. Despite significant workforce, infrastructure, and partner financial challenges, the hospital is implementing collaborative initiatives, cost controls, and workforce development programs while investing in quality and population health improvement. Behavioral health (boarding), maternal health, sexual assault care, and alcohol use disorder treatment are highlighted as key population health priorities. Event schedule: - FY26 Budget Approved by Board - 07/14/2025 - Planned Birthing Center Closure - 11/01/2025 - Midnight - Construction completion for 4th Operating Room - 12/31/2025 - Copley Hospital

This order sets the FY27 University of Vermont Medical Center budget with a commercial NPR of $1,054,849,354 (-1.3% from FY26), total NPR of $1,916,445,011 (+1.0% from FY26), and establishes benchmarks for rate and expense growth. Hospital cost-containment measures are emphasized due to Vermont's high healthcare costs. The Board continues to implement regulatory strategies to improve affordability and access. Event schedule: - UVMMC Budget Hearing - 08/03/2026 - Vermont Green Mountain Care Board - UVMMC Budget Hearing - 08/05/2026 - Vermont Green Mountain Care Board - Budget Decision Announced - 09/14/2026 - CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings Publication - 2026-04-01 - Effective Date Act 55 (2025) Prescription Drug Pricing Caps - 2026-01-01 - Vermont - UVMMC report on expected end-of-year FY27 commercial NPR - 2027-03-15 - GMCB - Monthly filing of actual year-to-date FY27 operating results begins - 2026-11-20 - GMCB - Working group proposal for UVMMC's future financial support of medical education due - 2026-12-15 - GMCB

This report details the methodology for Vermont's facility-level and statewide price transparency analyses comparing commercial health plan payments to Medicare payment benchmarks for both inpatient and outpatient hospital services. It uses VHCURES all-payer claims, covers 2018-2024, and includes data limitations and stratifications by payer, plan type, and facility. The analysis provides foundational context but does not allocate or award RHTP funds.

This is a major amendment to Vermont's hospital budget review rule (GMCB Rule 3.000), made necessary by new legislative acts in 2025 (Act 49, Act 62, and Act 68). The rule clarifies processes for hospital budget submission, public hearing exemptions, and methods for adjustment and enforcement, with an emphasis on transparency, statutory compliance, and opportunity for public input. No new economic costs are imposed; process revisions are revenue-neutral to the state and hospitals. Key contacts: Julia Corlman julia.corlman@vermont.gov; Matt Sutter matt.sutter@vermont.gov; Owen Foster; Michael Del Trecco Event schedule: - First Public Hearing - 02/18/2026 - 10:30 AM ET - 112 State St., 5th Floor, Montpelier, VT / https://gmcboard.vermont.gov/2026-meetings - Public Comment Deadline - 02/25/2026 - Effective Date of Rule - June 15, 2026 - Budget Submission Deadline for General Hospitals - July 1 - Vermont - Budget Submission Deadline for Psychiatric Hospitals - December 1 - Vermont - Establishment of General Hospital Budgets - September 15 - Vermont - Written Decision on General Hospital Budgets - October 1 - Vermont - Establishment of Psychiatric Hospital Budgets - December 15 - Vermont