This commentary is by Alex LeClair of Essex, CFO of LeClair Therapy Inc., DBA Essex Physical Therapy & Georgia Physical Therapy.
Are you currently receiving an Affordable Care Act federal subsidy for your health insurance premium in 2025? If you’re not already aware, your health care premiums will double or triple in 2026 due to the ACA subsidies not being extended by the federal government. The federal legislature could extend them before the end of the year, which is unlikely — and we certainly can’t count on it.
This week marks the start of the health insurance rate review and hospital budget process for 2026. There is a public meeting regarding the proposed insurance 2026 premium increases scheduled for today, July 24, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. I would encourage everyone — patients, small business owners, outpatient health care providers, as well as those in hospital and network leadership positions — to attend. We are facing another year of increases and our health care premiums are already the highest in the country. We the public need to show up to this virtual meeting to make a difference this year, now more than ever.
If Vermonters are angry and discouraged about premiums going up every year with no decrease in sight, the Green Mountain Care Board and hospital leadership need to hear from you, especially if you are experiencing affordability issues due to your premium or as a patient. If you are not available to attend this virtual meeting or aren’t comfortable doing so publicly, please share and submit your story in writing to the Board. You can submit your comment anonymously, to be shared publicly or privately, with the Green Mountain Care Board. They read all comments in full. The deadline for a written submission is July 28.
I would also encourage hospital leadership teams from around the state to listen to the financial pain and stress experienced by working Vermonters who are struggling to afford premiums, let alone any bill from any medical office. All Vermonters want is a fighting chance to survive financially when the subsidies go away next year — both as individuals and as small businesses, the latter of which will not survive if we continue down this path.
Most people can’t afford more than they already are paying. Many Vermonters will have to choose between an outrageous premium with a high deductible or willingly risk going without insurance due to their lack of funds. Many Vermont employers don’t have the additional margin to cover the increases on their own. All I’m asking is for one hour of your time or for you to share your story directly with the Green Mountain Care Board if you can’t attend. Please join this call. This is most likely our last chance to voice our opinion. If we fail to show up, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
