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NEED TO KNOW
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State and Federal Advocacy Efforts
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VMS lost several policy challenges this year related to scope of practice expansion in Vermont. Over the coming years, optometrists will be allowed to perform laser eye surgery, psychologists will have the authority to prescribe drugs in some cases, and nurse anesthetists will be permitted to administer anesthesia without physician supervision (subject to hospital policies).
Now, we’re shifting to remind policymakers and the public that these are not the solutions to Vermont's health care access and affordability challenges and continuing the push for meaningful reforms: - This year, we successfully advocated for increased state investment in primary care, helping secure higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care services.
- In light of the proposed closure of the birthing center at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, we’re renewing our call for the Scott administration to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum services.
- In recent weeks, VMS members met with members of Vermont's congressional delegation at the Bennington Firehouse and the Old Labor Hall in Barre to share challenges of rural health care and the impact of extreme weather on patient care.
- Earlier this month, VMS sent a letter to the Trump administration denouncing a proposal that would dramatically change the peer-review process for federal grants by allowing political appointees to make funding decisions rather than independent scientists. We also signed on to similar letters from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE).
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✒️ The Governor’s Executive Orders
Gov. Phil Scott recently issued an executive order aiming to expand commercial health insurance options, particularly for small businesses and young people. He's advocating to allow Vermont insurers to charge higher premiums for older enrollees and tobacco users, and make it easier for small businesses to form group insurance pools. VMS was neutral on these policies when the governor introduced them in the legislature, but shared many of the concerns voiced by the Health Care Advocate that this proposal could remove individuals from Vermont's health insurance exchange, potentially further driving up premiums for those who remain in the ACA exchange.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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🍎 Apply to the Clinician Leadership Program
The Vermont Medical Society and the Larner College of Medicine are offering a leadership training program at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, running over various dates from October 2026 through March 2027.The course will cover team development, change management, finance/budgeting, health systems, media training, and more. Learn more and apply by August 28.
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🤝 UVMMC Residents and Fellows Secure Union Contract
Union members ratified a new contract earlier this month that includes a 10% salary increase, a $2,000 annual meal stipend, and seven weeks of paid caregiver leave, as reported by Vermont Public. The contract also includes new protections on how immigration enforcement officials can interact with people in the hospital and limits 24-hour continuous shifts. |
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💰 Grant Opportunities for RHT Funding Coming to a Close There are only a handful of remaining active Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) associated with Vermont’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. The Agency of Human Services has said they do not anticipate posting any additional Year 1 funding opportunities. CMS will begin announcing Year 2 Program funding in October. AHS will advertise those opportunities through its listserv and website when they come online. |
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💉 Medicare Will Cover Certain GLP-1s for Weight Loss As a reminder, starting this month certain Medicare beneficiaries may be eligible for a GLP-1 prescription for weight loss for $50 a month. This applies to Medicare Part D beneficiaries who have a body mass index of 35 or higher, or with BMIs of 27 or higher and a history of prediabetes, stroke, myocardial infarction, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Read the prescriber fact sheet for more information. |
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💵 National Physician Compensation Survey Shows Pay Increase of 2 to 4%
A new report by Resolve, VMS’ partner for providing members employment contract reviews and data, shows national median base salaries across more than 100 specialties and subspecialities using data from physician employment contracts over the past year. The median base salary in this region is $348K, an average of 2 to 4% year-over-year increase in pay. More than half of the contracts contained a non-compete clause, which was banned in Vermont this year. Read the full report here. |
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🦠 CDC Warns of Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks Since early May, the CDC has received reports of over 6,000 confirmed and potential cases of cyclosporiasis, a GI illness that can last for weeks or months, caused by people consuming food or water contaminated with a tiny parasite. Public health officials are working to determine the source of the illness, which in the past has been linked to contaminated lettuce, cilantro, basil, and raspberries. Read the CDC Health Advisory, which includes recommendations for clinicians. |
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🔎 Billing VT Medicaid for a Shared Medical Appointment The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) safeguards against unnecessary or inappropriate use of Medicaid services and billing. They recently sent out a reminder regarding billing Medicaid for Evaluation & Management (E/M) services during a shared medical appointment – click here to view the notice. |
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️🏆 Send Your Nominations for VMS' Leadership Awards
Nominations are open for the VMS' Leadership Awards. Recognize Vermont leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the medical profession, health organizations, and the welfare of the public. Submit your nominations by August 14. The awards will be presented on the evening of November 13 during the 2026 Collaborative Meeting. Registration is coming soon. |
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EVENTS
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Maternal Health Innovation Summit
Monday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Montpelier
The Maternal Health Innovation Team at the Vermont Department of Health is excited to bring together clinical, community, and public health practitioners, and other maternal health champions for the second annual MHI Summit.
It will be an in-person event at the the Capital Plaza Hotel (100 State St., Montpelier) to advance strategic priorities for improving maternal health across Vermont. Click here for the registration link. |
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UVM Menopause Conference
Friday, Sept. 11, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | South Burlington
Join the Menopause Clinical Update, a comprehensive, evidence-based educational program designed for clinicians seeking to enhance their expertise in menopause care. This full-day session will explore the critical role of estrogen across the lifespan, with practical guidance on managing perimenopause, optimizing menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) prescribing, and addressing key long-term health considerations. See the full agenda here. |
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2026 Collaborative Meeting
Nov. 13 - 14 | Stowe, VT
The 2026 Collaborative Meeting is taking place at Topnotch Resort in Stowe.
More information here. |
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For more information about offerings from UVM
Continuing Medical and Interprofessional Education, visit here. |
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Vermont Medical Society PO Box 153 Williamstown, VT 05679 -- Unsubscribe -- |
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