LEADERS WELCOME FEDERAL "HEALTHIER US STARTS HERE" INITIATIVE TO VERMONT

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas and Lt. Governor Brian Dubie today welcomed officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services who are in Vermont to help highlight the importance of preventing chronic disease and illness by taking advantage of screenings and preventive benefits offered through Medicare.

Governor Douglas noted that chronic conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes are preventable and others can be managed to minimize complications and reduce health care costs. 88 percent of Vermonters over age 65 have at least one or more chronic conditions.

“Vermont has long understood the value of preventive services and we’re doing all we can to reduce the growth in health care costs—a key element of the Affordability Agenda—and focus more on prevention,” the Governor said. “The Vermont Blueprint for Health is a statewide initiative to provide Vermonters who have chronic conditions with the information, tools and support they need to successfully manage their health. We are working to change the way health care is consumed – and change the way it is delivered – with the ultimate goal of preventing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, or preventing serious and costly complications among people who do develop chronic illness.”

Lt. Governor Dubie, who chairs the Governor’s Commission on Healthy Aging, said poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. “Increasing numbers of Americans in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s enjoy independent, active living with minimal health problems. By focusing on prevention across the entire lifespan, healthy aging can be the rule, not the exception,” Dubie added.

Joining the Governor and Lt. Governor were Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports; Brian Golden, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Charlotte Yeh, Regional Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and representatives of the Governor’s Commission on Healthy Aging, Vermont League of Cities and Towns, AARP Vermont, Central Vermont Council on Aging, and COVE.

The federal officials noted that Medicare covers many important screenings and other preventive benefits to help people with Medicare live healthier and more active lives. As part of the Healthier US Starts Here initiative, Medicare and its partners are traveling the country to raise awareness of the importance of preventing chronic disease and illness like heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.

People with Medicare can take action, talk to their healthcare providers and visit www.mymedicare.gov to learn more about preventive services they are eligible to receive and access tools to help manage their healthcare.

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