Health Care Advocate Project
The Office of the Health Care Advocate (HCA) helps Vermonters with problems and questions related to health care services and health insurance. We often help people:
- get onto insurance plans
- get on state and federal health care programs
- learn about enrollment in Medicare, Medicaid and Vermont Health Connect plans
- take action when an insurance company improperly denies medical treatment, and
- sort out billing problems.
In many cases, we empower people by giving advice and education that helps them understand and resolve their health care issues and questions.
We act as a voice for Vermonters in health care policy matters before the Vermont legislature. We serve as their advocate before government agencies that oversee state insurance and other health care programs.
We have worked to expand health care coverage in the state by making it more affordable and accessible. We advocated for a change in the state’s pharmacy assistance program to expand the prescription coverage for low-income Vermonters with Medicare. We also played a central role in creating the state’s new Immigrant Health Insurance Plan. It will provide health coverage to children and pregnant individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid due to their immigration status.
We represent the public in matters before the Green Mountain Care Board. In rate review hearings for commercial insurance companies, we argue for affordable insurance rates. In other matters before the board, including hospital budget requests and Certificates of Need, we advocate that providers maintain or improve quality of care and cut unnecessary costs.
The Office of the Health Care Advocate (HCA) has developed online information on many Vermont health care topics. Follow this link to the Health Care Advocate website and to contact us.
Testimonial
“If every company out there had an HCA advocate like mine, the world would be a much better place. She went out of her way to help me receive all the help that I should have been receiving. She took a very long time to explain and be sure I understood all the aspects of my case. If not for her, I would not have the health care I deserved and was entitled to. She obviously put in a great deal of time to research all alternatives to my case and explain the differences. Because of her and Vermont Legal Aid, I am no longer afraid of being injured and going to the hospital. To say thank you to her and all the people she works with is very underwhelming. I am overcome with gratitude.” — A recent HCA client
Reports
