Affordable Options for the Uninsured

By Governor Jim Douglas

November 21, 2007 -- Over the last several years of working to expand affordable health coverage in our state, it has been my privilege to work with a remarkable, focused coalition of Vermonters who share my commitment to making health care accessible to everyone.

Many of us spent countless hours working on the passage and implementation of the 2006 Health Care Affordability Act—a landmark health care bill that focuses on containing health care costs for everyone in our state and insuring the uninsured. The passing of this bill, containing the most far reaching health care reforms in the country, was a major step forward for our state. It also demonstrated that when we come together, in a bipartisan manner, we can make a real difference in the everyday life of Vermonters.

In October, the state launched Catamount Health. Demand for Catamount Health is already high and I'm pleased to report that we have already enrolled hundreds of Vermonters, with several thousand more reviewing their options.

With the addition of Catamount Health to Vermont's existing family of trusted and well-known health coverage options such as Dr. Dynasaur for uninsured kids, Vermont Health Access Plan or V-HAP, Medicaid, and Prescription Assistance, we saw an opportunity to combine all of these health coverage programs under one comprehensive program and one name: Green Mountain Care.

Green Mountain Care is an all-inclusive family of low-cost and free health coverage programs that provide uninsured Vermonters with access to quality, comprehensive health care coverage at a reasonable cost. These programs give uninsured Vermonters access to the medical care they need, including doctor visits, hospital and emergency care, checkups, prescription medicines, chronic disease care, immunizations, mental health care and more.

Part of the Health Care Affordability Act compels us to share these programs with our family, friends and neighbors. That’s why the launch of Green Mountain Care includes advertising and outreach campaigns that include television, print, radio and online advertisements. My administration and its health care partners are working hard to encourage uninsured Vermonters to call 1-800-250-8427 or visit www.GreenMountainCare.org to check out their health coverage options through Green Mountain Care.

With more than 50 percent of uninsured Vermonters currently eligible for state health coverage, I want to encourage every eligible resident to find out if one of the Green Mountain Care programs might work for them.

Currently, 90 percent of Vermonters are insured—including 95 percent of Vermont children, who are the future of our state. But there is still work to be done. In addition to providing every uninsured Vermonter with access to care they can afford, we must do more to make health care more affordable for those who already have insurance. I look forward to working with the Legislature in the coming session to make progress in this important area.

Vermont has become a true leader in health care reform – just one of the many reasons we have to be proud of our state. The comprehensive programs offered through Green Mountain Care are designed to improve the overall performance of the health care system and ensure that Vermont continues to find ways that all Vermonters have access to the health care and coverage they need to stay healthy and thrive.

I urge all uninsured Vermonters to explore their health coverage options today and call 800-250-8427 or visit www.GreenMountainCare.org. There has never been a better time than now.

Source: Vermont Governor

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