Witnesses tell House Human Services Committee H.13 needed to address Medicaid shortfalls, workforce and wait lists

At a House Human Services Committee hearing on H.13, witnesses including providers, advocates and family members told lawmakers that current Medicaid payments for assisted living and residential care fall short of providers’ costs and contribute to closures, staffing shortages and long wait lists.

Helen Laban, executive director of the Vermont Health Care Association, told the committee that assisted living, residential care and nursing facilities in Vermont provide about "6,000 beds statewide in this category." She summarized findings from a 2023 rate study, saying the analysis showed "an eye‑popping 79% there for ACCS and then up to 60% more needed for ERC," referring to assisted community care services (ACCS) and enhanced residential care (ERC). Laban said the ACCS rate was increased by the full 79% in state fiscal year 2024 but ERC was not, and she said getting ERC rates to cover cost remains "one of our goals."

Molly Dugan, director of policy and strategic initiatives at Cathedral Square, described how those gaps play out on the ground at…