In a significant development for Vermont's healthcare sector, the Green Mountain Care Board has approved the final annual budget for OneCare Vermont. This accountable care organization, which has been pivotal in Vermont’s health care payment reform efforts since 2018, is set to cease operations by December 31, 2025. The approved budget of nearly $11.3 million marks a reduction from the original request and reflects the organization's transition phase. The board also redirected funds to independent healthcare providers participating in population health management programs. As the all-payer model era draws to a close, stakeholders are preparing for new challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery.
Details of OneCare Vermont's Final Budget Approval
In the crisp autumn air of November, the Green Mountain Care Board convened to approve OneCare Vermont's final budget before its planned closure at the end of 2025. The board trimmed the budget to just under $11.3 million, reducing it by almost $1.5 million from the initial proposal. This decision came after careful deliberation, with Chair Owen Foster emphasizing that the approved amount was fair and aligned closely with the organization's actual spending in 2024.
The revised budget maintained salary and benefit expenses at the same level as 2024 and eliminated the position of chief financial officer, which had remained unfilled. Tom Borys, who previously held this role, took over as interim CEO following Abe Berman's departure earlier this month. Borys acknowledged the changing paradigm and expressed commitment to serving the state, providers, and patients while managing costs effectively.
The board also cut funding for an annual external evaluation, lobbying, and board recruitment, no longer deemed necessary. However, it did approve the continuation of the "regional care representative" program, recognizing its importance in maintaining connections with primary care offices and advancing shared care quality goals.
From a broader perspective, the approval of this final budget symbolizes the end of an era for Vermont's healthcare reform. OneCare Vermont has played a crucial role in implementing innovative payment methods aimed at enhancing preventive care and reducing overall healthcare spending. With the federal "all-payer model" set to conclude at the end of 2025, the healthcare community anticipates a new chapter in how services are delivered and funded.
As OneCare prepares to wind down its operations through 2025, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for providers and patients. The first half of 2026 will be dedicated to closing down, with the process expected to be completed by October of that year. Meanwhile, discussions about potential participation in the AHEAD program—a new federal reform initiative—are ongoing, adding another layer of uncertainty and opportunity for Vermont's healthcare landscape.
From a journalist's viewpoint, this moment underscores the importance of adaptability in healthcare policy. The closure of OneCare Vermont serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned initiatives must evolve with changing needs and resources. It also highlights the critical role of regulatory bodies like the Green Mountain Care Board in guiding these transitions. As we move forward, the healthcare community must remain vigilant in seeking innovative solutions that prioritize patient care and sustainable financing models.