[M]ark Larson, commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access, will leave that post in March, according to state officials.
Larson, a former state representative, presided over the turbulent rollout of Vermont Health Connect, which — largely through the expansion of Medicaid — has helped thousands obtain health coverage.
“Mark has worked as hard as anyone on my team over the last four years,” Gov. Peter Shumlin said in a statement. “Mark led the Department through some challenging times, but no one cared more or tried harder to overcome those challenges so Vermonters could access affordable health care than Mark.”
Fairly or unfairly, Larson’s tenure will likely be associated with the exchange’s shortcomings, which the administration has argued were precipitated by an unrealistic federal timeline for creating an online insurance marketplace.
Larson was the face of the exchange in Montpelier during the first half of last year when its myriad problems and pressure to jettison the tech firm CGI were reaching a crescendo. He receded from view after the legislative session when Lawrence Miller, the governor’s top health care adviser, was placed in charge of Vermont Health Connect.
Larson was also at the department’s helm as the state expanded its Blueprint for Health so that most residents receive primary care through an enrolled provider, according to state officials. He was also instrumental in developing the state’s Medicaid shared-savings program for Accountable Care Organizations, which is intended to reduce the volume of care while improving health outcomes.
“The last three years have involved a historic transition in health care for Vermont and our country, and has not been without its challenges. I am proud of the fact that in Vermont we have reduced by half the number of uninsured Vermonters and are on track to significantly reform how Medicaid pays providers for health services,” Larson said in a statement.
“I am proud to have been part of this tremendous effort. As the Department prepares to engage its next phase of work, it is time for me to move on to new opportunities. I look forward to stepping back to the role of citizen and witnessing the continued progress toward coverage for all Vermonters and more rational ways to pay for health services.”
Larson will help his deputy, Lori Collins, transition into the role of acting commissioner over the next six weeks. A search for a permanent replacement is underway, according to officials.
