Recently, Vermont was recognized has having the healthiest children in the country.  This is due in large part to the commitment we made as a state to a program called Dr. Dinosaur.  Under this program, virtually all of Vermont’s children under the age of 18 who did not or could not afford health insurance received it from the state.  The benefits of this program will continue to accrue as these healthy children move into adulthood.  We must continue this successful program AND must provide full funding for it.  Currently, our Medicaid budget has almost a $100 million dollar short fall.  Failing to provide adequate state funding means that the shortfall is ultimately transferred to those citizens who have health insurance in the form of higher premiums.  This must be a priority in the next legislative session.

Vermont is a national leader in providing health insurance to those who have no other access to coverage through the Catamount Health program.  Catamount Health is an excellent example of how the Legislature, working in a non-partisan manner with the Governor, can successfully pass a program of great value.  At this point, the Legislature should concentrate in getting this program fully implemented and analyzing its cost to the state.  It is not the time to expand the scope of the program making it impossible to adequately fund.  Now, like Dr. Dinosaur, it is critical that the state fully fund its commitment so that shortfalls are not passed along via higher health insurance premiums.

These programs, along with the emphasis we place on creating a healthful environment, make a Vermont healthy state in which to live.  Over the next two years, we must “fund what we have done” so that these programs will continue to operate effectively and ensure we fulfill our commitment to our underserved populations.