Making Care More Affordable in Vermont

Improving healthcare affordability requires action. Across the state, healthcare organizations are working together, investing in innovative programs, and expanding Vermonter's access to quality healthcare at a lower cost. Here are a few examples of organizations that are working to make care more accessible for Vermonters like you.

• Blue Cross VT is a non-profit health plan working hard to deliver healthcare cost savings for Vermonters. It’s lowering drug costs through a variety of initiatives and partnerships; re-negotiating hospital contracts and ensuring member claims are paid accurately; providing case managers for members with complex medical needs to help prevent expensive hospitalization; designing new products to provide more affordable choices for Vermonters; maintaining low administrative expenses; and working with policymakers to help shape legislation that can deliver better affordability. “Our goal is a healthier Vermont and to do that we need quality care that is accessible and affordable for everyone. For our part, Blue Cross VT is finding new ways to deliver savings to our members through a range of initiatives, but we can't do this alone. Creating sustainable solutions will take all of us working together.” – Beth Roberts, President and CEO of Blue Cross VT 
• Green Mountain Surgery Center, an independent, outpatient surgery center is committed to ensuring Vermonters have access to timely and affordable care. Nationally, procedures performed at ASCs cost roughly 40-50% less than the same procedure at a hospital outpatient department; savings that matter in a state with some of the highest healthcare costs in the country. "As the only multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center in Vermont, patients are seen in a timely manner, leading to lower long-term healthcare costs," says Green Mountain Surgery Center CEO Liz Hunt. Faster scheduling also means patients avoid the complications and added expenses that often come with delayed care while lower overhead and fewer administrative layers keep procedure costs down for patients and payers alike.
• Northwestern Medical Center seeks out innovative partnerships to keep services in the community and get better prices on the items it purchases. These efforts help ensure they’re able to continue to keep their prices lower than most hospitals. “The NMC team understands the importance of containing expenses to help keep prices as low as possible while still investing in our staff so we can provide the services our community needs,” says NMC CEO Jonathan Billings.
• Vermont Diagnostic Imaging (VDI) was founded by local independent physicians who have long worked to give Vermonters better access to quality care at lower prices, and VDI offers some of the lowest imaging prices in the state. “Studies are performed using state-of-the-art technology, and read by board certified specialty radiologists, so lower cost does not mean lower quality,” says Bridget Thompson, Administrator of VDI. CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and DEXA are all available in one convenient Williston location, and staff provide up-front pricing, so patients know the cost before they come in.
• Vermont OPEN Imaging is an independent imaging center offering high-quality, affordable MRI and CT. It has invested in the highest-strength open and closed MRI scanners, along with a brand-new CT scanner, so patients and referring providers never have to choose between quality and cost. Patient Care Coordinators explain deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and flexible payment options to help patients understand their imaging costs upfront. Patients can also request a personalized price quote online to make informed decisions about their care. “Patients often come to us feeling worried or vulnerable, and financial uncertainty only adds to that stress. We strive to support Vermonters by providing exceptional care, keeping imaging affordable, and making the financial side easier to understand.” says Todd Kummer, Founder of Vermont OPEN Imaging.

What Vermonters Can Do

Patients can educate themselves about the different care options before deciding where to go for care. They can also use cost comparison tools to understand price differences between facilities and what the out-of-pocket costs will be. All hospitals are required to have a cost comparison tool on their website, as do many independent facilities. Here are a few you can check out: Green Mountain Surgery Center, Northwestern Medical Center, and Vermont OPEN Imaging. Members of Blue Cross VT can also access a cost estimator tool through its Member Resource Center.

The next time you’re looking for care options, talk with your provider or health insurance company, or contact multiple facilities for an estimate. By taking time to gather information, you can better understand your options for accessing lower-cost care with high-quality outcomes. This is important if you are paying some or all the costs out of pocket—you’ll feel a direct impact. These healthcare savings could go toward your grocery bill or other important household expenses. Indirectly, there’s a benefit as well: When patients use less expensive care, it helps keep the cost of monthly premiums from rising in the future.

To learn more about questions to ask your doctor when seeking care and tips for saving on your care, download this Tip Guide.