Waterbury, VT - Vermont has been awarded the inaugural Pacesetter Prize for Affordability and Access in recognition of its continued progress in improving the lives of older adults and people with disabilities across the state.
Vermont was selected by The SCAN Foundation as the Pacesetter Prize winner for Affordability and Access because of its innovative practices in providing accessible, affordable, quality health and long-term services and supports (LTSS) coverage for its residents. The prize was awarded based on Vermont’s performance on AARP’s 2017 Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard. Vermont moved up from being ranked 19th in the 2011 Scorecard to 3rd in the nation in 2017, exhibiting more improvement in affordability and access than any other state. It has also risen through the ranks in overall LTSS performance, moving from being ranked 20th in 2011 to 3rd in the nation in 2017.
“The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), in conjunction with many valued community partners, has worked hard to build a system of care for older Vermonters and Vermonters with disabilities that honors choice, independence, meaningful connection to community, and affordability,” said Governor Phil Scott. “There is still work to be done, but we are proud to have Vermont stand as a national leader in delivery of long-term services and supports, and we are truly honored that our great state has been selected as the inaugural recipient of The SCAN Foundation’s Pacesetter Prize.”
“Vermont’s commitment to reducing costs while increasing access to long-term services and supports for its residents has made it a pacesetter,” said Bruce Chernof, MD, President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “These actions are fundamental for states to prepare, particularly for the growing population of older Americans, and we commend Vermont for leading the way.”
The Pacesetter Prize will be formally presented to the State at the Waterbury State Office Complex on Thursday, September 21 at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and press. Light refreshments will be served. Governor Phil Scott, members of Vermont’s Congressional delegation, Agency of Human Services Secretary Al Gobeille, DAIL Commissioner Monica Caserta Hutt, state legislative leaders and partners in the delivery of LTSS will be in attendance to celebrate this collaborative achievement.
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To learn more about The SCAN Foundation and Pacesetter Prize, visit http://www.TheSCANFoundation.org/Pacesetter-Prize. To schedule an interview or to RSVP to attend, please contact Monica White, Director of Operations at the State of Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, at Monica.White@vermont.gov or (802) 241-0354.
About The SCAN Foundation
The SCAN Foundation is an independent public charity dedicated to creating a society where older adults can access health and supportive services of their choosing to meet their needs. Our mission is to advance a coordinated and easily navigated system of high-quality services for older adults that preserve dignity and independence. For more information, visit www.TheSCANFoundation.org
About the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
The mission of the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living is to make Vermont the best state in which to grow old or to live with a disability - with dignity, respect and independence.
http://dail.vermont.gov/
https://www.facebook.com/DAILVT/