MONTPELIER, Vt. – New figures show that Vermont’s rural hospitals are struggling financially, with many teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. David Murman from the Green Mountain Care Board expressed concern, stating that the negative financial trends are alarming.
A recent report highlights the financial struggles of hospitals across the state. For instance, Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans lost $3.4 million last year, Brattleboro Memorial lost $5.8 million, and Gifford in Randolph was down by $10.6 million.
Owen Foster, chair of the Green Mountain Care Board, noted the uncertainty looming over the future of these hospitals. “The risk of bankruptcy is real. It largely depends on future changes, especially at the federal level,” he said.
The outlook for Vermont’s critical access hospitals is grim. The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems acknowledges these struggles in their recent statement. They emphasized the need to collaborate with the state to ensure access to healthcare for Vermonters.
However, not all hospitals are facing hardships. Copley Hospital in Morrisville posted a positive operating margin of $1.48 million last year, a bright spot after years of financial difficulties. Similarly, UVM Medical Center reported a substantial profit of $62.6 million. Foster pointed out that UVM’s financial success largely stems from their high service charges. “They are among the most expensive hospitals in the U.S. for outpatient services,” he explained.
Experts have raised additional worries about the future. Potential cuts to Medicaid and rising inflation due to tariffs could drive healthcare costs higher and affect patient care. A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that nearly 60% of rural hospitals in the U.S. are at risk of closure, which places even greater pressure on the system in Vermont.
As discussions continue about how to address these financial woes, it’s clear that the situation demands urgent attention. The need for stable and sustainable healthcare access remains critical for all Vermonters.
For further insights on rural healthcare challenges, you can visit Kaiser Family Foundation, which provides extensive reports and analysis on healthcare issues across the nation.
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