MONTPELIER, VT — On Wednesday evening, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) hosted a Listening Session with Vermonters, community leaders and health care experts focused on how President Trump’s health care policies are hurting Vermonters.  

Vermont officials estimate about 45,000 Vermonters could lose their health coverage in the coming years as a result of Republicans’ and President Trump’s health care policies. The recently passed tax and spending bill, the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Act, will cut more than $1 trillion dollars from Medicaid over ten years and could result in $1.7 billion in lost revenue for Vermont hospitals. More than 8,000 Vermonters are at risk of losing access to substance use treatment. If Republicans refuse to work with Democrats and extend discounted premiums on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, more than 26,000 Vermonters could lose access to care. 

Senator Welch voted in strong opposition against the legislation in July.   

“Instead of working in a bipartisan way to lower costs, the Republicans’ tax bill will make health care more expensive. Vermonters can’t afford President Trump’s agenda, which harms the health of patients and hurts rural care providers. I’m fighting in the Senate to reverse these cuts and make it easier for every Vermonter to access quality, affordable health care,” said Senator Welch. 

Senator Welch was joined by representatives and leaders from Gifford, University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN), Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC), Vermont State Senators and Representatives, and the Green Mountain Care Board. 

View video of the event here:

View photos of the event here: 

Senator Welch recently released new data showing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will cost $1.7 billion in lost revenue for Vermont hospitals and put more than 8,000 Vermonters at risk of losing access to substance use treatment. Additionally, if Republicans refuse to extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, more than 26,000 Vermonters will lose health coverage. 

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