An announcement from the president of the Vermont Association of Naturopathic Physicians

On May 30, 2007, the Vermont Legislature enacted legislation granting insurance recognition to naturopathic physicians. The law will take effect October 1st, 2007, although most Vermonters will see the change when their insurance policies renew, in January 2008. People with private insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, MVP and Cigna, plus a few smaller companies,) Vermont State Employees, plus Medicaid and VHAP patients will be able to use their insurance for office visits, diagnostic testing and pharmacy prescriptions (not natural supplements).

This victory marks the end to a rigorous, 4 year, grass-roots effort. It also marks the beginning of a new era for naturopathic medicine in Vermont. We are looking forward to contributing our wellness and prevention-oriented style of primary care to Vermont¹s health care delivery system. It is our hope that we can bring natural, and lower-cost options to the enormous problem of chronic illness, which accounts for 78% of health care spending in this state.

Thank you for your support and encouragement during this process. I also ask for your continued support and understanding, as we adapt to the challenges of interfacing with health insurers. Together, let¹s change health care in Vermont-- for the better!

-Lorilee Schoenbeck, N.D.

The VANP would like to send our sincere thanks to the entire Vermont Legislature for passing S. 39, now known as Act 59. Very special thanks go to several key legislators who prioritized our bill, and brought it to fruition.
Our chief Senate Sponsor, Senator Hinda Miller of Chittenden County, championed this issue the whole time (and also teaches yoga in the State House!) Senator Jeanette White of Windham County was an insightful and strong force in the Sen. Health Care Committee, as were Chairman Douglas Racine, Senator Ginny Lyons (both of Chittenden) and Senator Sara Kittell of Franklin County. Thank you to Senator Diane Snelling (Chittenden) for providing excellent support and help.
On the House side, thanks go especially to Rep. Steve Maier of Middlebury, Chairman of the House Health Care Committee, to our long-time friend and advocate, Rep. Gini Milkey of Brattleboro, Rep. Pat O'Donnell of Vernon/Guilford, and Rep. Lucy Leriche of Hardwick. Thanks also go to Rep. Harry Chen, M.D. of Mendon for his thoughtful work on the bill, and to our lead House Sponsor, Rep. Maxine Grad of Moretown, who was first to offer to introduce this bill five years ago! And last but not least, to Zatz and Renfrew Consulting for your help and smart guidance.

Catamount Health Plan
Last year, the VT Legislature passed a large piece of legislation for uninsured Vermonters, known as Catamount Health. Scheduled to go into effect September of this year, Catamount would deliver sliding-fee scale health insurance to uninsured Vermonters who do not qualify for VHAP, yet find insurance too expensive to purchase outright. Many of the legislators you see pictured above were instrumental in placing complementary and alternative medicine, including the coverage of N.D.s, within Catamount Health. For more information, go to: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/HealthCare/catamount.htm. (Note, Gov. Douglas is proposing funding cuts for Catamount. Stay tuned!)

You can view Act 59 at:
www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/acts/ACT059.HTM

This effort succeeded only with your support. You made it happen!

If you contacted your senator or representative about this bill, please let them know you appreciate their support of naturopathic medicine in Vermont.

You can still make a donation. Our lobbying effort has cost thousands of dollars, and we really need your help. Donations of $100, $50, $25, or whatever you can afford, can be made by sending a check (made out to the VANP) to Dr. Kathleen Audette, VANP Treasurer, 790 Maple Hill Rd, Arlington, VT 05250

Or, to donate online, visit our Donations page here:
http://vanp.org/donate.html

Rep. Michael Mrowicki gets a physical from Dr. Becky Chollet during our legislative clinic day. N.D.s from around the state provided cardiovascular and diabetes screening, physicals, consultations and healthy food for the legislators and staff at the State House.


Rep. Christopher Bray chats with Dr. Bernie Noe.