Public Policy: Health Care
VBSR Releases Health Care Survey Results
Employer-Based Health Care Going Away
At a press conference, Tues, Jan 29, 2008 at the Statehouse, John Wall, President of furniture manufacturer, WallGoldfinger stood in front of members of the media and VBSR and explained that his health insurance costs are more than the cost of the lease of his 52,000 square foot building, plus all his heat and electric utility costs combined; and that over the past four years, WallGoldfinger has spent over $1M in health insurance premiums to offer benefits to 39 of his employees. Don Mayer of Small Dog Electronics also offered up his story and explained that with some of his positions, health care premiums amount to 35-50% of their total payroll. WallGoldfinger and Small Dog Electronics stories are examples of how benefits being offered to employees of even Vermont's most socially responsible companies are declining in quality and increasing in cost to the employee.
VBSR Health Care Survey Results
Read media coverage of press conference
Current VBSR Action on Health Care Policy
As a result of the work of the Health Care Action Team, VBSR members, staff and board members, held a press conference at the Statehouse in Montpelier to release the results of the VBSR health care survey along with the conclusions that the system can no longer depend on employer-sponosred insurance as its backbone.. VBSR called for the legislature and the Governor to fully explore a publicly financed health care system. Other immediate action steps should include streamling system administation, eliminating wasteful duplication of facilities and services, and avoiding further fragmentation of the insurance pool.
Since 1992, VBSR has argued that health care is an economic development issue.. The fact that our businesses have had to cope with 10% increases in health care premiums every year since 2003 is proof. We call for de-coupling health insurance from employment and for public financing based on ability to pay.
Legislative Activity
For More Information
Vermont Health Care Reform Commission
The Commonwealth Fund
Save Vermont Health Care
Vermont Campaign for Health Care Security
Vermont Employer Contribution Program (Department of Labor)
Bi-State Primary Care Association
Vermont Information Technology Leaders
Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Healthcare Is A Human Right
Health Care Position Papers
2008 Health Care Testimony to House Health-#2
Priority actions for 2008
2008 Health Care Testimony to Senate Health and Welfare
Real reform needed
2008 Health Care Testimony to House Health
Stop fragmenting insurnace pools
2007 Health Care Reform Testimony- 2
Support for Vermont Hospital Security Plan
2007 Health Care Reform Testimony- 1
Universal Access to Health Care
