Gov. Shumlin Statement on GMCB All Payer Model Vote

Press Release

Gov. Peter Shumlin issued the following statement after the Green Mountain Care Board approved a plan that will allow Vermont to transform its health care system so it rewards quality of care rather than quantity of care. The so-called All Payer Model will align incentives across all payers in the health care system -- Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance -- so that doctors and others are paid for focusing on keeping people healthy rather than running tests or procedures. Vermont is the first state to pursue this transformation across all payers, statewide.

Gov. Shumlin and others plan to officially sign the agreement at a ceremony on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Governor's Ceremonial Office.

"Vermont will now become the first state in America to ensure that your doctor can focus on keeping you healthy, rather than running tests or procedures. By shifting the focus away from the current fee-for-service system to one that rewards primary care and prevention, we will help Vermonters lead healthier lives and more effectively manage chronic diseases, allow doctors to better treat their patients and identify health issues before they become severe, and reduce costs in a health care system that, if left unchecked, will bankrupt our state and Vermont families.

"Getting control of health care costs is the single biggest thing we can do to make Vermont a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. This agreement will allow us to begin controlling skyrocketing health care costs, bringing relief to Vermont families, employers, and the state budget.

"Since I came to office, we have worked to transform Vermont's broken health care system so it begins working for Vermonters. By expanding access to health insurance to over 20,000 Vermonters, we have achieved virtual universal access to health care. And with this agreement, we will become the first state in America to fundamentally transform our entire health care system so it is geared towards keeping people healthy, not making money.

"I want to thank President Obama, Secretary Burwell, and their teams for working with us to make this agreement a reality. I also want to thank the Green Mountain Care Board and its Chairman Al Gobeille, Vermont's congressional delegation, and my health care team for their incredible work on behalf of Vermont.

"This agreement is historic, but it is only the first step. We have a lot of work to do to implement the agreement so it fulfills the promise of a health care system that works for all Vermonters. I look forward to continuing that hard work in the coming months."

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