Vermont Business Magazine Today members of the Long-term Care Crisis Coalition, comprised of long-term care providers and advocates for older Vermonters, released statements to the Legislature on the crisis facing access to the long-term care services older Vermonters depend on, and the need for investment in the state fiscal year 2026 budget to protect the vital care that enables Vermonters to age with dignity in our communities.
The Governor’s proposed budget does not include support for the most vulnerable Vermonters among us who need help with bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning and socialization in their homes, in the communities they live in, and in residential settings.
“I cannot think of a more essential service than care for people who cannot take care of themselves independently. Vermonters deserve a robust, sustainable long-term system that can meet their changing needs as they age,” said Jill Mazza Olson, Executive Director for VNAs of Vermont, the trade association representing Vermont’s local, designated home health and hospice agencies. “If the budget does not include support for these vital services access to the care our neighbors depend on will be put further at risk.”
Specifically, the Long-term Care Crisis Coalition is asking Legislators to:
- Fully implement the increases for home-based Choices for Care services and Enhanced Residential Care (ERC) described in the February 15, 2023 DVHA rate study (just over $6 million in General Fund dollars).
- Apply an adjustment to long-term care reimbursement rates in the budget that includes an inflation factor that is reasonable and adequately reflects economic conditions, and accounts for changing market pressures, elevated staffing costs from Vermont’s workforce crisis, and increases in costs of care.
“It is critical that the budget include an increase in funding for long-term care communities that care for Vermonters who rely on Medicaid to pay for their care. Let's be clear, no increase equals a decrease as the cost of supporting staff with pay and benefits goes up every year,” said Kim Fitzgerald Chief Executive Officer of Cathedral Square, which provides long-term care services through licensed assisted living communities. “Long-term care for those on Medicaid is a critical service for our most vulnerable Vermonters. Without increases I'm worried more facilities will close, only exacerbating the long waitlists and people forced to live at the hospital.”
“As the number of older Vermonters grows, the need for long-term care services increases. Yet, we are seeing decreased access, especially in rural regions of our state,” said Helen Labun, Executive Director of the Vermont Health Care Association, which represents Vermont’s nursing, residential care, and assisted living homes. “We cannot continue with these conflicting trends; Vermont must preserve our system of long-term care."
The Long-Term Care Crisis Coalition (LTCCC) represents more than 200 providers of assisted living, adult day services, area agencies on aging, home health agencies, residential care homes, nursing homes, and other organizations who care for Vermonters who need long-term care services. This coalition has come together to call for greater action and unite as a sector responsible for caring for some of Vermont’s sickest and most vulnerable. More information on the LTCCC can be found at www.vtltccc.org.
Long-Term Care Crisis Coalition Members
AARP Vermont, Cathedral Square, Vermont Association of Adult Day Services, Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Vermont Catholic Charities, Inc., Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Health Care Association, VNAs of Vermont
Source: 2.5.2025. Montpelier, VT – Cathedral Square. https://www.cathedralsquare.org
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