Community health workers serve as a vital link between people and providers to bridge disparities in health care access and quality in Vermont communities.
Numerous research studies have shown the effectiveness of CHW programs, especially in rural and underserved areas. One study even found a CHW program to yield a return of $2.47 for every dollar invested.
Despite evidence on the positive impacts, there is a lack of government funding and support for these programs. The pandemic sparked Congress to pass bills investing in CHWs, but Vermont has not begun to expand Medicaid coverage like many other states have done. Given our state’s aging and increasingly diverse population, Vermont would benefit greatly from investing in knowledgeable community members who assist people in accessing, navigating and managing medical and social services.
There is an emerging bill in Congress that aims to integrate and improve reimbursement for community health worker services under Medicare and Medicaid. CHW programs not only improve the quality, accessibility and cultural competency of health care, but are cost-effective, with the potential to save Medicaid thousands of dollars per patient each year.
By calling on U.S. Rep. Becca Balint and Sens. Peter Welch and Bernie Sanders to support this community health workers bill, we can do our part in improving health outcomes for Vermonters.
Camille Howard
Burlington
