What’s Working, What’s Next: House Democrats Focus on Vermont Health Care
, on Jan 21, 2026
Montpelier, VT — Vermont House Democrats today outlined recent health care legislation passed by the Legislature, its impact on Vermonters, and key health care priorities for the current legislative session.
During a press conference at the State House, Rep. Alyssa Black, Chair of the House Health Care Committee, and Mike Fisher, Chief Health Care Advocate with the Office of the Health Care Advocate at Vermont Legal Aid, discussed how last session's health care work is positively affecting patients, families, and providers across the state, and what lawmakers are focused on addressing in the months ahead to make sure the progress continues.
"When we open the black box and understand the real cost of care, we can finally drive health care to more affordable levels—lowering costs not just for teachers, but for taxpayers, small businesses, and Vermonters across the state" said Rep. Black.
Speakers highlighted legislative efforts from the previous session aimed at improving access to care, strengthening consumer protections, and addressing cost pressures within Vermont's health care system. They emphasized that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain, including affordability, monitoring Federal changes, workforce shortages, and ensuring Vermonters can access care when and where they need it.
"It is harder and harder for Vermonters to afford health care coverage and care. This is especially true because Vermont's prices are so high. We must continue to take real steps to reduce those costs" said Mike Fisher.
Looking ahead, House Democrats outlined priorities for the current session, including continued oversight of health care costs, strengthening patient protections, and advancing policies designed to stabilize and improve Vermont's health care system. Lawmakers stressed the importance of centering patients and families as reforms move forward.
"We are not afraid to take on a system designed to be complex. If we keep Vermonters' health care needs at the center of our work, we can build a more sustainable, accessible, and affordable system — and we intend to keep moving this work forward" stated Rep. Black.
The press conference was held in the Cedar Creek Room at the Vermont Statehouse and streamed live on the Vermont House Democrats Facebook page.
CONTACT:
Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us
During a press conference at the State House, Rep. Alyssa Black, Chair of the House Health Care Committee, and Mike Fisher, Chief Health Care Advocate with the Office of the Health Care Advocate at Vermont Legal Aid, discussed how last session's health care work is positively affecting patients, families, and providers across the state, and what lawmakers are focused on addressing in the months ahead to make sure the progress continues.
"When we open the black box and understand the real cost of care, we can finally drive health care to more affordable levels—lowering costs not just for teachers, but for taxpayers, small businesses, and Vermonters across the state" said Rep. Black.
Speakers highlighted legislative efforts from the previous session aimed at improving access to care, strengthening consumer protections, and addressing cost pressures within Vermont's health care system. They emphasized that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain, including affordability, monitoring Federal changes, workforce shortages, and ensuring Vermonters can access care when and where they need it.
"It is harder and harder for Vermonters to afford health care coverage and care. This is especially true because Vermont's prices are so high. We must continue to take real steps to reduce those costs" said Mike Fisher.
Looking ahead, House Democrats outlined priorities for the current session, including continued oversight of health care costs, strengthening patient protections, and advancing policies designed to stabilize and improve Vermont's health care system. Lawmakers stressed the importance of centering patients and families as reforms move forward.
"We are not afraid to take on a system designed to be complex. If we keep Vermonters' health care needs at the center of our work, we can build a more sustainable, accessible, and affordable system — and we intend to keep moving this work forward" stated Rep. Black.
The press conference was held in the Cedar Creek Room at the Vermont Statehouse and streamed live on the Vermont House Democrats Facebook page.
CONTACT:
Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us