State long-term care ombudsman warns of layoffs without $275,000 funding boost

The state long-term care ombudsman testified that the program — statutorily designated and operating within Vermont Legal Aid — covers more than 6,000 licensed long-term care beds and an additional 4,600 individuals receiving long-term care in the community. The ombudsman said staff work to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, help residents appeal involuntary discharges, and ensure Medicaid funds go to quality care rather than owner profit.

"We haven't had a funding increase in three years," the ombudsman said, requesting $275,000 to keep 19 positions funded and to cover rising costs including health insurance. She told senators that the requested appropriation "qualifies for a federal match" (about 50/50), and warned that without the state increase she will likely have to "lay off one to two ombudsmen," which would reduce the program's ability to provide boots-on-the-ground monitoring in facilities.

Committee members acknowledged the statutory designation of the ombudsman program and said they would consider the staffing and matching-fund implications as they reconcile Senate and House budgets.