VLA in the Media

Some recent press mentions for Vermont Legal Aid

10/24/2024 How can Vermont's next legislature, governor mend a broken health care system?

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-10-24/can-next-legislature-governor-mend-broken-health-care-system
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, says Vermont can’t spend its way out of this problem. He says a health care system that has 14 hospitals for a population of 660,000 people creates inefficiencies and redundancies that can drive up the cost of care.

10/20/2024 Another Medicare Advantage plan pulls out of Vt.

WCAX-TV:
https://www.wcax.com/2024/10/18/another-medicare-advantage-plan-pulls-out-vt/
Vermont Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher says about 1,500 seniors will need to find new plans. “Due to the significant changes that are happening for Medicare Advantage plans here in Vermont, it really makes sense for Vermonters to be extra careful if they’re contemplating buying a Medicare Advantage plan,” he said.

10/11/2024 Vermont Supreme Court rules man with disabilities has right to services

VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/10/11/vermont-supreme-court-rules-man-with-disabilities-has-right-to-services/
Barbara Prine, a Vermont Legal Aid attorney who represented the plaintiff, said she appreciates the court understanding how difficult it is for Vermonters who can’t get the medical care they need. She said her client’s health has deteriorated due to his isolation in recent years.

9/26/2024 UVM Medical Center postpones surgical center construction, citing regulatory decisions

VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/10/04/uvm-medical-center-postpones-surgical-center-construction-citing-regulatory-decisions/
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview that the postponement will delay the arrival of needed surgical capacity in Vermont. Fisher’s office had largely supported the project, with some reservations.

9/26/2024 At least 3 Vermont school districts warn parents that lack of staff will prevent adequate special education services

VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/09/26/at-least-3-vermont-school-districts-warn-parents-that-lack-of-staff-will-prevent-adequate-special-education-services/
Cammie Naylor, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid who helps families navigate special education law, told VTDigger she had also seen a similar letter shared by the Lamoille North Supervisory Union regarding staffing at the Eden Central School.

9/19/2024 Vermont hospitals are heading for bankruptcy. A plan to keep them afloat calls for dramatic changes.

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-09-19/vermont-hospitals-are-heading-for-bankruptcy-a-plan-to-keep-them-afloat-calls-for-dramatic-changes
“This is scary,” Mike Fisher, the state’s health care advocate, acknowledged at the meeting Wednesday. “In the world of policy, it is easier to kill an idea than it is to pass a good idea,” he said. “I’m sure that is playing out today in messages to legislators and others.”

9/18/2024 Adapting to life after a spinal cord injury

Vermont Public's "Vermont Edition":
https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2024-09-18/adapting-to-life-after-a-spinal-cord-injury
Rachel Batterson, director of Vermont Legal Aid’s Housing Discrimination Law Project, outlines the housing rights of people with disabilities.

9/18/2024 Surging cyber scams leave older Vermonters destitute, frustrated and saddled with tax debt

Seven Days:
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/cyber-scams-are-leaving-older-vermonters-broke-and-bereft-41866534
“Voss couldn't afford to hire a tax specialist to fight back, but the AARP fraud hotline pointed her to the sole tax attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, Zachary Lees.”

9/17/2024 Health care workers are unionizing across Vermont. They say better work conditions mean better care.

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-09-17/health-care-workers-unionizing-say-better-work-conditions-means-better-care
“But Vermont’s health care advocate, Mike Fisher, pushes back on directly correlating health care worker labor organizing and overall health care costs.”

8/27/2024 Vermont health insurance costs are among the highest in the nation — and rising quickly

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/27/vermont-health-insurance-costs-are-among-the-highest-in-the-nation-and-rising-quickly/
“There's no dispute. Vermont's expensive,” said Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate. “We see it in our premium rates. We see it in our hospital commercial rates.”

And Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Vermont-health-insurance-costs-are-among-the-highest-in-the-nation-and-rising-quickly-56734300

8/21/2024 UVM Medical Center employees say they can’t afford health insurance, and some are in debt to their employer

Seven Days:
https://sevendaysvt.com/news/uvm-medical-center-employees-say-they-cant-afford-health-insurance-and-some-are-in-debt-to-their-employer-41657250
"If this isn't an indicator that our system is broken, I don't know what is," said Mike Fisher, Vermont's health care advocate.

8/20/2024 Hefty health insurance increases hit Vermonters for third year in a row

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2024-08-19/large-health-insurance-increases-hit-vermonters-for-third-year-in-a-row
“People are going to have to pay less premiums, and in many cases, people are going to be able to get into a richer plan, with lower out-of-pocket costs,” said Mike Fisher, the state’s healthcare advocate, speaking on Vermont Edition.

8/16/2024 Medicare prescription drug price negotiation closely watched in Vermont

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-08-15/medicare-prescription-drug-price-negotiation-closely-watched-in-vermont
Michael Fisher, who is Vermont's health care advocate, says the program could have a major impact in Vermont because lawmakers this year asked the Green Mountain Care Board to study a plan to use these negotiated prices for all consumers in the state.

8/14/2024 Flood insurance gaps and rising risks challenge Vermont homeowners

Seven Days:
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/flood-insurance-gaps-and-rising-risks-challenge-vermont-homeowners-41602920
Julie Marshall, a paralegal with Legal Services Vermont, said dozens of Vermonters have been seeking legal counsel since their properties were swamped. ... "If something is covered or not can hinge on what may seem like, frankly, ridiculous details, like whether water entered the house because it was wind-driven or through the ground," Daniel Schmidt, an attorney with Vermont Legal Aid, said.

8/9/2024 Amid a tumultuous period in health care, Vermont hospitals request annual revenue and rate increases

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/09/amid-a-tumultuous-period-in-health-care-vermont-hospitals-request-annual-revenue-and-rate-increases/
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, told board members Wednesday that Vermont is facing “a perfect storm” in the realm of health care. “We think it’s important to remain focused on what you can do to really address, as I said, the storm in front of us,” he said. “And that is hospital prices and hospital costs.”

And Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Amid-a-tumultuous-period-in-health-care-Vermont-hospitals-request-annual-revenue-and-rate-increases-56498125

And Mountain Times:
https://mountaintimes.info/2024/08/14/amid-a-tumultuous-period-in-health-carevermont-hospitals-request-annual-revenue-and-rate-increases/

8/9/2024 Flood-relief clinics planned in Lyndon, St. Johnsbury

Calendonian Record:
https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/flood-relief-clinics-planned-in-lyndon-st-johnsbury/article_b5714c80-dce9-58cb-876e-66bea96c0e29.html
Flood assistance information will be available at two local clinics scheduled for August 15-16. Volunteers from Vermont Law & Graduate School, Vermont Legal Aid, and Legal Services Vermont will be available…

8/6/2024 Consultants say Vermont’s health care system needs to change, but exactly how is not yet clear

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/06/consultants-say-vermonts-health-care-system-needs-to-change-but-exactly-how-is-not-yet-clear/
...Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview that he hoped the final recommendations would be far-reaching enough to shore up the state’s struggling system.

8/2/2024 Franklin Grand Isle Bar Association donates $2,250 to Voices Against Violence

Saint Albans Messenger:
https://www.samessenger.com/news/franklin-grand-isle-bar-association-donates-2-250-to-voices-against-violence/article_3eb4a952-50e8-11ef-95c1-ff89eb75ada0.html
Laura Bierley, an attorney with Vermont Legal Aid’s Victims’ Rights Project, provides Voices with a small amount of legal services, but the funding only supports advice, not representation. Since the Franklin Grand Isle Bar Association does not have any members specializing in this area of law, it decided to step up and raise funds to help Bierley expand her offerings to survivors.

7/31/2024 A divided Green Mountain Care Board approves new UVM Medical Center surgical center – with restrictions

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/30/a-divided-green-mountain-care-board-approves-new-uvm-medical-center-surgical-center-with-restrictions/
The Office of the Health Care Advocate — while offering a measured endorsement of the project — also raised concerns about the possibility that procedures at the surgical center could be overly expensive for Vermonters.

7/25/2024 Displaced by another round of flooding, Vermont renters have few options

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-07-25/displaced-by-another-round-of-flooding-vermont-renters-have-few-options
Renters dealing with flood damage should tell their landlords, in writing, the extent of the damage and what types of repairs are needed, said Daniel Schmidt, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid. It’s a landlord’s responsibility to bring a rental into compliance with health and safety standards, like having an adequate water supply and access to heat. If a landlord doesn’t make repairs to meet habitability standards in a timely manner, Schmidt said, a tenant can withhold part of the rent — but they should let the landlord know, in writing, before they do so.

and Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Displaced-by-another-round-of-flooding-Vermont-renters-have-few-options-56192603
and VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/25/displaced-by-another-round-of-flooding-vermont-renters-have-few-options/

7/22/2024 Seeking an appropriate education, Vermont families battle lawyers, the Legislature and a lack of staff

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/22/seeking-an-appropriate-education-vermont-families-battle-lawyers-the-legislature-and-a-lack-of-staff
Cammie Naylor, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid who has helped families navigate special education law for about seven years, said she works regularly with parents of kids left without an education while waiting for an outplacement.

and Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Seeking-an-appropriate-education-Vermont-families-battle-lawyers-the-Legislature-and-a-lack-of-staff-56122022

7/17/2024 Barton woman regains home in tax sale settlement, sparking legal reform

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-07-17/tax-sale-cases-settled-advocates-hope-new-law-improve-controversial-process
Eventually, the parties agreed to settle rather than continue litigation over a small amount of money, said Greg Fox, an attorney at Vermont Legal Aid who represented the Shatney family.
Vermont Legal Aid sued the town of Barton and village of Orleans in late January, alleging that municipal officials failed to give Flynn the required 10-day notice prior to the tax sale and took her property without just compensation or due process.

and Newport Dispatch:
https://www.newportdispatch.com/2024/07/06/barton-woman-regains-home-in-tax-sale-settlement-sparking-legal-reform/
Greg Fox, Flynn’s attorney, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “We are thrilled that Ms. Flynn will be getting her property back and the financial security that it represents,” Fox said. Grace Pazdan, Director of VLA’s Homeowner Legal Assistance Project, added that the case “should put cities and towns on notice that taking taxpayer’s equity via tax sale comes with significant legal risk.”

7/11/2024 Mike Fisher: Weigh in on proposed health care premium increases

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/11/mike-fisher-weigh-in-on-proposed-health-care-premium-increases
This commentary is by Mike Fisher, Vermont’s health care advocate.

and Addison County Independent:
https://www.addisonindependent.com/category/op-eds/

and Rutland Herald:
https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/fisher-advocate-for-health-insurance-affordability/article_6dbf3fe9-350d-5a64-a730-c1881427b2e3.html

and Times Argus:
https://www.timesargus.com/opinion/commentary/fisher-advocate-for-health-insurance-affordability/article_869bad46-38a7-11ef-ba1f-239fdcb6875c.html

If you need assistance submitting a public comment, or you want individual advice related to health insurance or access to care issues, contact the Office at the Health Care Advocate’s HelpLine at 800-917-7787 or visit www.vtlawhelp.org/health to submit an online help request. Mike Fisher is chief health care advocate at the Office of the Health Care Advocate.

7/7/2024 Vermont hospitals implement new rules for accessing free medical care

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/02/vermont-hospitals-implement-new-rules-for-accessing-free-medical-care/
The ultimate goal is to help more Vermonters access free medical care, Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview.

and Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Vermont-hospitals-implement-new-rules-for-accessing-free-medical-care-55871499
“It creates a statewide minimum standard,” Fisher, who worked with Vermont hospitals to draft the bill, said in an interview."

and Mountain Times:
https://mountaintimes.info/2024/07/10/vermont-hospitals-implement-new-rules-for-accessing-free-medical-care/
The ultimate goal is to help more Vermonters access free medical care, Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview.

5/31/2024 Senior Solutions and BRGNS Age Successfully Fair

Vermont Journal:
https://vermontjournal.com/health/senior-solutions-and-brgns-age-successfully-fair/
The fair is an opportunity for older Vermonters to learn about and sign up for wellness-based goods and services, with over 30 exhibitors scheduled to appear… Exhibitors this year include…Vermont Legal Aid.

5/30/2024 Mike Fisher: Thank you, legislators, for listening to Vermonters’ voices and improving Medicare affordability

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/30/mike-fisher-thank-you-legislators-for-listening-to-vermonters-voices-and-improving-medicare-affordability/
Commentary by Mike Fisher, Vermont’s health care advocate.
and Vermont Community News Group:
https://www.vtcng.com/news_and_citizen/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/thanks-to-legislators-medicare-more-affordable/article_a6c1b894-1ec7-11ef-9267-83666a08066e.html
and Rutland Herald:
https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/fisher-medicare-affordability/article_0c99c9d7-0063-5445-aea7-8161157508f7.html

and Williston Observer:
https://www.willistonobserver.com/forum/guest_columns/guest-column-notes-from-the-legislature-part-2/article_d97a3962-1e01-11ef-a1bf-53c7dbc485f1.html

5/20/2024 Tenant protections failed to gain traction in the Statehouse

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-05-20/tenant-protections-failed-to-gain-traction-in-the-statehouse
Jean Murray, an attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, advocated for the programs’ creation last year and lauded lawmakers for putting money behind them now. But she sees a need to take a closer look at the power imbalance in landlord-tenant law.

5/14/2024 Vt. insurance companies seek double-digit rate increases

WCAX3:
https://www.wcax.com/2024/05/14/vt-insurance-companies-seek-double-digit-rate-increases/
Some worry about what yet another double-digit rate increase would mean for Vermonters’ bottom line. “It’s scary. I think the average Vermonter or the business looks at this and says, ‘I can’t pay it,’” said Mike Fisher, the state’s health care advocate.

5/14/2024 Health insurers seek large premium increases

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/14/health-insurers-seek-large-premium-increases/

and Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-05-17/proposed-health-insurance-rate-hikes-vermont-businesses-health-costs-slowing-growth

and Vermont Public – The Frequency:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/podcast/the-frequency-daily-vermont-news/2024-05-20/one-in-five

5/10/2024 Two Major health care access bills meet different fates in Vermont Statehouse

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/10/two-major-health-care-access-bills-meet-different-fates-in-vermont-statehouse/
That language will make a material difference in the cost of health care for thousands of Vermonters, according to Mike Fisher, the state’s health care advocate. “The step that the Legislature took this year is a significant improvement for close to 12,000 Vermonters,” Fisher said, “who are going to gain access to real improvements to their ability to afford premiums in Medicare and out of pocket costs.”

5/6/2024 Bill on tax sales and abatement nears governor's desk, research continues

Times Argus:
https://www.timesargus.com/news/local/bill-on-tax-sales-and-abatement-nears-governors-desk-research-continues/article_6a63add8-920c-5a2e-8964-e48c7c721f88.html
A bill aimed at putting guardrails on when towns can sell off people’s property to recoup back taxes is nearing the governor’s desk; meanwhile, Vermont Legal Aid has requested tax sale documents from every town in the state.

April 15, 2024 — ‘Provider burden’ bill pits health care providers against insurance companies

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/04/15/provider-burden-bill-pits-health-care-providers-against-insurance-companies/
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, hedged on whether the bill would do more to harm or help. “I and my office often sit between payers and providers as they point fingers at each other for being the reason why our health care system is so expensive. And I often end up thinking, well, both sides have a point here,” Fisher said.

April 10, 2024 — Property tax suit settlement talks

The Chronicle:
https://bartonchronicle.com/property-tax-suit-settlement-talks/
A federal lawsuit ... was filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington, by Vermont Legal Aid, acting on behalf of Penny Flynn in January. It argues that when a town sells a piece of property to recover taxes, it must pay its former owner the difference between the taxes owed and the fair market value of the property... Town and village lawyers have asked to be excused from answering the complaint until the end of April. They said they are discussing a possible settlement with Ms. Flynn and her lawyers.

March 18, 2024 — Vermont towns use tax sales to collect late payments. But critics say the process lacks guardrails.

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-03-18/vermont-towns-use-tax-sales-to-collect-late-payments-but-critics-say-the-process-lacks-guardrails
"We thought it was pretty shocking that the towns were really using this very draconian process that has these devastating impacts on families over really small amounts of debt," said Grace Pazdan, Vermont Legal Aid attorney.

March 15, 2024 — Vermont Legal Aid asks court to delay DCF rules ending hotel vouchers for hundreds Friday

Rutland Herald:
https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/vermont-legal-aid-sues-to-stop-state-from-ending-cold-weather-vouchers/article_f27833d6-8249-5993-bf61-3577e3aa2a95.html
Vermont Legal Aid filed a lawsuit Friday asking a court to stop the state from taking away homeless people’s cold weather shelter vouchers before their continued eligibility can be figured out… Rebecca Plummer, an attorney for Vermont Legal Aid and director of its Medical-Legal Partnership Project, said Friday that the hope is Vermont Superior Court Chittenden Civil Division, where the case was filed, will take it up and make a decision immediately.

WCAX-TV3:
https://www.wcax.com/video/2024/03/15/vt-legal-aid-asks-court-delay-dcf-rules-ending-hotel-vouchers-hundreds-friday/
Vermont Legal Aid is asking a judge to delay state regulations that would kick hundreds of homeless Vermonters out of the state’s hotel motel program on Friday.
https://www.wcax.com/2024/03/15/vt-legal-aid-asks-court-delay-dcf-rules-ending-hotel-vouchers-hundreds-friday/
Vermont Legal Aid Friday filed a lawsuit Friday and asked a judge to delay the action. “We are not asking for some massive change. We are asking for a delay in this lifting of the adverse weather conditions -- period -- while the state does its job to figure out who is eligible,” said VLA's Rebecca Plummer.

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-03-15/while-state-stands-up-shelters-some-vermonters-exit-motels-without-a-plan
Vermont Legal Aid filed a complaint in state court Friday morning alleging that state officials failed to assess motel program participants to determine whether they could remain sheltered, and failed to adequately notify them that they might need extra documentation ahead of Friday’s deadline.

WPTZ-TV5:
https://www.mynbc5.com/article/hundreds-of-vermonters-forced-to-vacate-state-hotel-voucher-program/60209330
All of this led to Vermont Legal Aid filing a lawsuit on behalf of homelessness service providers Friday morning, because they feel the state hasn’t properly screened everyone that’s eligible and going against recently passed legislation…“The state did not provide notice, did not provide an opportunity for people to show that they meet and above all did not follow the legislature’s protections,” said Rebecca Plummer, a lawyer at Vermont Legal Aid.

February 22, 2024 — Montpelier considers 'just cause' eviction standard, despite hesitance at the Statehouse

Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-02-22/montpelier-considers-just-cause-eviction-standard-despite-hesitance-at-the-statehouse
Jean Murray, an attorney at Vermont Legal Aid who tracks eviction data, pointed to an uptick in evictions statewide compared to pre-pandemic levels — and noted a greater share now appear to be for “no cause.”

February 15, 2024 — Vt. bill aims to ease tax abatement and sale policies for delinquent property owners

WCAX-TV3:
https://www.wcax.com/2024/02/15/vt-bill-aims-ease-tax-abatement-sale-policies-delinquent-property-owners/
The case has turned into a legal battle over past-due tax notifications. “Our client spends time in Florida during the colder months and so that’s when these notices were being sent. They were bouncing back to the town. She didn’t get them until after the deed transferred in the 2022 tax sale,” said Greg Fox with Vermont Legal Aid. He filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Flynn against the town of Barton and the village of Orleans to reclaim the property.

February 8, 2024 — Vermont Legal Aid sues Barton and Orleans over alleged unconstitutional home seizure

Newport Dispatch:
https://www.newportdispatch.com/2024/02/08/vermont-legal-aid-sues-barton-and-orleans-over-alleged-unconstitutional-home-seizure/
Vermont Legal Aid has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Barton and the Village of Orleans, alleging unconstitutional practices in property tax sales. Attorneys Grace Pazdan and Greg Fox, leading the case, emphasize the impact of tax sales on Vermont’s vulnerable populations. They point out the disproportionate use of tax sales in certain towns like Barton, exacerbating the state’s housing crisis.

January 30, 2024 — Lawmakers consider bill that would weaken Green Mountain Care Board

VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/01/30/lawmakers-consider-bill-that-would-weaken-green-mountain-care-board/
“On the whole, I think the words on the page of this bill do more harm than good,” Mike Fisher, the chief health care advocate at Vermont Legal Aid, told lawmakers last week.

WPTZ-TV5:
VT health care key players at odds over legislation (mynbc5.com)
"It would weigh down some of the regulatory power the Green Mountain Care Board has, and we think that would be bad for consumers, we think that would lead to more out-of-control spending," said Mike Fisher, the chief healthcare advocate at Vermont Legal Aid.

More information

2023 — VLA in the Media

2022 — VLA in the Media

2021 — VLA in the Media