Vermont residents face high insurance premiums, long wait times for care, and financial struggles for hospitals. Despite nearly universal health insurance coverage, the state’s small, aging population and rural geography make it difficult to spread insurance risk and attract healthcare workers. The state regulates hospital and insurance prices but is facing challenges with hospital consolidation and workforce shortages. Patients like Lynne Drevik are experiencing delays in receiving needed surgeries, while businesses like Jasper Hill Farm struggle to afford health insurance for employees. The University of Vermont Health Network, the state’s largest hospital system, is also facing challenges including high prices and workforce shortages.
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Nearly All Vermonters Have Health Insurance, but Care Is Tough To Find
