Appropriations hears DEVA budget-adjustment request driven by Medicaid caseload, system changes

Montpelier — The Vermont House Appropriations Committee on Jan. 16 heard testimony from Department of Vermont Health Access (DEVA) Commissioner Deshawn Rose and DEVA financial director Stephanie Barrett on a budget adjustment that would address caseload and utilization pressures, administrative catch-ups, contract and information‑system modifications, and an expansion of a hospital global-payment pilot.

DEVA officials told the committee the department’s total budget is about $1.25 billion, with an administrative budget just under $180 million and a program budget of roughly $1.07 billion that largely pays providers. "Our administrative budget was very tight, a little bit underwater closing last year," Commissioner Deshawn Rose said, summarizing why DEVA seeks several midyear adjustments.

Why it matters: The request is driven primarily by higher-than-expected Medicaid claims and the lingering effects of the national public-health emergency redetermination unwind. DEVA reported a caseload and utilization package totaling $83,470,000, of which $35,470,000 is general fund. Much of the program spending flows through the state’s Global Commitment to Health waiver and federal match rules.

Key items presented

- Caseload and utilization: DEVA said unexpected increases in per‑member, per‑month costs…