SUBJECT: Commonwealth Fund Ranks Vermont #1 in Health Care

Montpelier, Vt. – Attached is the press release and Vermont scorecard from a new health care study being released today by The Commonwealth Fund. It is the second version of their State Scorecard, which ranks states on 38 indicators in the areas of access, prevention/treatment quality, avoidable hospital use and costs, healthy lives, and equity, and Vermont is ranked #1.

“It an honor to receive national recognition for successfully implementing comprehensive health care reforms that incorporate aspects of high quality, coordinated care along with expanding coverage to the uninsured. I’m so proud of this latest #1 ranking from the Commonwealth Fund,” said Governor Douglas. “A major reason for our success is the Blueprint for Health, which provides a roadmap for healthier lives and fiscal responsibility. The Blueprint is built on the premise that prevention and improved care for chronic illness will result in a healthier population, appropriate and timely treatment, and significant cost savings for individuals and government.”

The report can be found on their website: http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Content/Publications/Fund-Reports/2009/Oct/2009-State-Scorecard.aspx (username: media; password: media123).

Press Release from the Commonwealth Fund (pdf - 40k)

Vermont Scorecard on Health Care Performance from the Commonwealth Fund (pdf - 426k)

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