DAIL seeks $783.5 million for FY26; requests $8.6M for federally required conflict‑free case management and nursing‑home rate rebasing

Commissioner Jill Bowen of the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) told the Vermont Senate Appropriations Committee on Feb. 27 that DAIL’s fiscal year 2026 budget request totals $783,521,821 and asks the Legislature to fund several items tied to federal mandates and service stabilization.

"Our mission is to make Vermont the best state in which to grow old or live with a disability with dignity, respect, and independence, and that guides the delivery of all of our services," Bowen said during the presentation. She said the request is driven largely by Medicaid‑funded Global Commitment spending and by implementation costs for a federally required change to case management in home‑and‑community‑based services.

Why it matters: The request contains a one‑time and ongoing funding mix that officials say is intended to stabilize nursing facilities, implement a federal conflict‑free case‑management mandate for Home and Community‑Based Services (HCBS), and invest in workforce and supported‑housing pilots that affect older Vermonters and Vermonters with disabilities.

Key numbers and timing

Bowen said the department’s total FY26 request is $783,521,821: 88.8% Global Commitment (Vermont Medicaid), 4.6% general funds, 6.2% federal funds and other, and under 1% special and interdepartmental funds. By division she listed the requested totals and shares: Developmental Disability Services (DDS) $353 million (45% of DAIL), Adult Services $379 million (48%), Vocational…