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Vermont veterans cite gaps in mental health, dental and VA access; experts suggest policy, clinic and mobile solutions
Summary
Veterans and health officials told lawmakers TRICARE network shortages, VA clinic capacity and lack of local dental providers are limiting care in Vermont; witnesses recommended prioritizing veterans for state services, mobile dental clinics, voucher programs, and stronger TRICARE/VA coordination.
Veterans, clinicians and advocates told a joint House-Senate hearing that mental health and dental care access remain major barriers for service members, their families and veterans in Vermont.
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson, who manages the Office for Primary Prevention of Interpersonal Violence and Self Harm in the Vermont National Guard, described long waits and limited provider networks for TRICARE beneficiaries and said those gaps create readiness and public health risks. ‘‘Many providers don't accept [TRICARE] due to low reimbursement rates, administrative burdens, and slow claims processing,’’ she said.
Ryan Fisher, an Air Force veteran and Air Force Reserve captain speaking as a private citizen, urged lawmakers to consider statutory prioritization for veterans in state-funded health programs and to explore a mobile dental clinic linked to an academic training program. ‘‘A mobile dental clinic provides care throughout the state,’’ Fisher said, arguing it could expand training capacity, increase access in rural towns and expose new dentists to Vermont communities.
Witnesses recommended a mix of near-term and policy solutions: prioritize veterans and dependents as an eligible population for certain state-funded services; create dental voucher programs to simplify reimbursement and widen provider choice; pursue partnerships between the state, the Vermont State Dental Society and university dental programs; and explore Medicaid Section 1115 waiver matches and federal bond funding to support vouchers.
Other testimony highlighted VA capacity and local clinic concerns. Catherine Van Hase, state director for Senator Bernie Sanders, called for protecting and expanding VA services in Vermont and said Sanders supports federal legislation to increase veterans' dental coverage and to bolster VA clinics in Burlington and Brattleboro. Witnesses also said Vet Centers and the VA are important parts of the network but that eligibility limits and long waits can leave gaps.
No committee vote or direction was issued at the hearing. Committee members and speakers signaled interest in follow-up, including exploring statutory options, grant-supported clinic expansion, and pilot projects for mobile clinics or voucher programs.
