In a healthcare landscape marked by persistent cost increases, Vermont has recently been part of a success story. An independent analysis commissioned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center affirms that OneCare Vermont is driving tangible enhancements in health care delivery – reducing costs and improving patient care. The report found that over a span of four years, OneCare has achieved significant cost reductions and reduced hospitalizations, all while elevating patient care.
OneCare is a Vermont operated, provider led 501(c) 3 Accountable Care Organization (ACO) driven by the mission to equip health care providers with essential tools for delivering top-tier health care. These tools encompass data analytics, financial incentives linked to health outcomes, and the flexibility to administer timely, appropriate care where and when it matters most. With over 5,000 providers statewide partnering with OneCare, these resources have contributed to higher-quality care and substantial savings for more than 200,000 Vermonters.
“We know there is more work to do, but this report makes it clear that OneCare is making progress towards its goals of lowering costs and improving Vermont’s healthcare system,” said Abe Berman, OneCare’s CEO. “By bolstering providers, expanding access to preventative care, and shifting towards compensation based on value and health outcomes rather than individual services like tests and surgeries, OneCare is fostering healthier Vermonters, while curtailing health care spending growth.”
The CMS analysis underscored OneCare’s achievements, demonstrating a reduction of over $1,700 in Medicare spending per beneficiary, along with fewer hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and readmissions over the four-year study period. The analysis also commended OneCare’s investment in primary care and its facilitation of collaboration among health care providers. The National Association of Accountable Care Organizations (NAACOS) echoed this sentiment, hailing OneCare as a model deserving of nationwide expansion.
“OneCare’s progress is exciting and encouraging,” said Carrie Wulfman, MD, OneCare Chief Medical Officer. “This report shows that we are advancing our mission of supporting high-quality care and reducing health care spending through an unprecedented level of connection and coordination among our many different types of providers, across diverse care settings.”
OneCare’s journey exemplifies Vermont’s dedication to innovative healthcare solutions. As it continues to pave the way toward a brighter, healthier future, OneCare serves as an example of how a coordinated, value-based approach can revolutionize health care delivery for the better.
