Agency of Human Services leaders brief House Human Services Committee on structure, Medicaid and local services

Leaders from the Vermont Agency of Human Services briefed the House Committee on Human Services on Oct. 12, 2025, outlining the agency's structure, budget and the role of Medicaid (the state's Global Commitment) and describing how services are delivered locally through district offices and community partners.

The briefing, presented by Jenny Samuelson, secretary for the Agency of Human Services, and other executive staff, explained that the agency comprises six departments plus a central office that houses health care reform and Medicaid policy.

"The Agency of Human Services' mission is to improve the conditions and well-being of Vermonters," Samuelson said. "Our vision is that Vermont is a place where all people have the opportunity to thrive in inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities." Samuelson also described the agency as the largest in state government by staff and total spending.

Why it matters: AHS administers a large share of the state's publicly funded health and social services. Officials said the agency spends about $1.3 billion in state general funds and approximately $5.2 billion across all funds and employs a little more than 4,000 people. Those resources and programs directly affect services ranging from Medicaid and long-term care to child protection, public health and corrections.

Key facts and programs

- Agency structure and central functions: Samuelson said the central office provides leadership, coordination and health care reform work, including the Office of Health Care Reform and the Medicaid director, which sit in central…