We have submitted a resolution to the Middlebury selectboard regarding proposed federal Medicaid funding cuts and Vermont’s health care crisis. The resolution will be on the selectboard agenda for the meeting on Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. This resolution expresses community concerns about the negative consequences of these cuts on Middlebury, Addison County and Vermont. Many people stand to lose health insurance and access to affordable care including people with disabilities. Our healthcare institutions, Porter Hospital, the Counselling Service of Addison County, Home Health and Hospice, primary care providers, nursing homes and care homes, among others, will suffer losses in revenue. Already four of Vermont’s 14 hospitals are at risk of bankruptcy.

Vermont’s healthcare system is fragile, with the former chair of the Green Mountain Care Board acknowledging that “health insurance premium rates are not affordable.”

Healthcare is a significant employer and economic driver in Vermont, and reductions in healthcare funding will lead to job losses and decreased economic activity.

The resolution is meant to inform and encourage our elected officials to take actions to mitigate the consequences of these cuts. If you are concerned about how these proposed Medicaid cuts will affect our local community here in Middlebury, please come to the meeting to voice your support for this resolution. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may submit written comments to the selectboard by email via the town manager: [email protected].

Jack and Chip Mayer, Michael Palmer, Ellen Oxfeld, Margaret Olson, Ron Slabaugh, Yvette Feig, David and Jean Rosenberg, Revell Allen, Ann Webster, Susan DeWind, Priscilla Baker, Judith and Michael Olinick and Christina Wadsworth

Editor’s note: This is the resolution presented to the Middlebury selectboard.

TOWN OF MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT

RESOLUTION REGARDING
PROPOSED FEDERAL MEDICAID FUNDING CUTS and VERMONT’S HEALTH CARE CRISIS

WHEREAS, the House Budget Resolution proposes cutting Medicaid over 10 years by $880 billion, which would amount to a 26% reduction per Vermont resident in Medicaid spending; and

WHEREAS, Vermont’s healthcare system is already fragile, with the former chair of the Green Mountain Care Board acknowledging that “health insurance premium rates are not affordable”; and

WHEREAS, approximately 187,800 Vermonters under age 65 and 40,000 over age 65—more than one in three Vermonters—cannot afford to pay healthcare costs not covered by insurance; and

WHEREAS, approximately 60,000 Vermonters carry a combined total of more than $100 million in medical debt, which affects their abilities to buy food, clothing, and other necessities; and

WHEREAS, reduced Medicaid funding will likely shift the burden of uncompensated care onto already strained hospital budgets, designated mental health agencies, primary care clinics, and private insurers, leading to increased premiums for individuals, school systems, and other employers; and

WHEREAS, rural hospitals in Vermont rely heavily on Medicaid payments due to the demographics of the populations they serve, with four rural hospitals already at risk of closing; and

WHEREAS, the mandated Medicaid cuts would force rural hospitals to reduce services, limit hours, or close, particularly affecting obstetric care and leading to staffing shortages; and

WHEREAS, healthcare is a significant employer and economic driver in Vermont, and reductions in healthcare funding would lead to job losses and decreased economic activity; and

WHEREAS, the mandated Medicaid cuts will reduce access to care, including Medicaid supported transportation to essential health care, particularly in rural areas, and lead to increases in health insurance premiums, which are already unaffordable for many individuals, school systems, and businesses in Vermont; and

WHEREAS, the mandated Medicaid cuts will also have a negative impact on local economies by causing job losses in the healthcare sector and related industries, while also reducing business profitability.

WHEREAS, the mandated Medicaid cuts will impact mental health and substance use disorder services, which are overwhelmingly financed by Medicaid.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Selectboard of the Town of Middlebury:

1. Expresses its grave concern about the devastating impact the proposed Medicaid cuts would have on the health of Vermonters, the viability of Vermont’s healthcare system, and the economic vitality of Middlebury and Addison County.
2. Urges the Vermont General Assembly to pass emergency legislation that will help protect Vermont’s healthcare system and our community from the devastation they will likely experience if Medicaid funding is reduced by the amounts presently set forth in the Congressional Budget Resolution;
3. Calls upon Vermont’s Congressional delegation to build coalitions across the aisle with Senators and Representatives from other states to change the Budget Resolution or adopt other legislation to protect Medicaid funding;
4. Directs the Town Manager to send a copy of this resolution to Vermont’s Congressional delegation, the Governor of Vermont, and the leadership of and our elected representatives in the Vermont General Assembly.
5. Urge other Vermont Selectboards to adopt similar resolutions.

Adopted this _____ day of ____________, 2025, by the Selectboard of the Town of Middlebury, Vermont.

__________________________________________ Chair, Middlebury Selectboard
ATTEST:

Town Clerk