2020 Annual Report
Board chair and CEO letter
We believe that addressing the root causes of health disparities and inequities are critical to building a healthier population and community.
Over the course of this past year, many Vermonters lost their income, some lost their lives or their loved ones to COVID-19. Life hasn’t stood still in the wake of this terrible disease. This disease has laid bare the struggles of working moms by casting a bright light on the ever-present but unspoken barriers to finding affordable and safe child care, it has further exposed the health inequalities of Black people and people of color, and it has caused economic strife to people across the world, many of whom are women. In the wake of illness, our nation has grappled with its long history of oppression and subjugation of Black people and people of color. This past year required people to stand up for others. 2020 showed us once again that character and integrity are more impactful than glitz and glamour or passing fads.
As such, our continued dedication and commitment to you and to advancing health care equality for all Vermonters is central to our mission and our vision and has been a grounding principle for the last 30 years. As a non-profit health plan, we put the health and wellbeing of all our members at the forefront of every decision we make, and we resoundingly reject discrimination in all its forms.
As Vermont’s only local, non-profit health plan, we care deeply about our communities here in Vermont. We care about our neighbors and we care about keeping people well and helping them live well with disease regardless of who they are or where they come from.
No matter where you are along your personal path to wellbeing, when you’re a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont member, you’re never alone.
Keeping Vermonters Safe and Connected through COVID-19
Over the past year, we have learned from and faced the unknown of a global pandemic. As Vermont’s only local, non-profit health plan, we remained committed to the health of Vermonters, outstanding member experiences, and responsible cost management for the people whose lives we touch.
Customer Service with Heart
"She told me, ‘I am going to take care of you.’ And she did. She did everything. She talked to the doctor’s offices; she faxed the forms. She got all of the information I needed..."
A Data-Driven Approach to Health
"Looking at claims and crunching numbers may not sound that exciting, but it’s the foundation for creating initiatives that are well-aligned with the true health needs of our employees."
Simplifying Health Care for Retired Vermonters
"It’s extremely important to have good, affordable health insurance in retirement. It gives me the peace of mind to travel. It also gives me a little extra cushion in my budget to do things I want to do..."
Collaborating on Good Health
"The idea is to remove barriers and provide wellness-based care to all employees. We wanted something that would benefit everyone regardless of whether they work in manufacturing or marketing."
Annual Financials
An overview of the 2020 financials
- As Vermont’s local, not-for-profit health plan, your premium dollars stay here in Vermont.
- Our non-profit status and operating efficiency means 87-90 cents of every dollar of premium goes to paying health care costs for our members.
- By focusing on continuous improvement and cost management, we have held per member per month administrative costs nearly flat over the last ten years.
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and our affiliates paid more than $1.1 billion toward member care in 2020. That is over $90 million on average each month paid to hospitals and providers on behalf of Vermonters.
- Member reserves are $103 million as of the end of December 2020. These reserves are required because we pay for health services needed by Vermonters, no matter what.
- That surplus represents approximately $540 for each member, which equates to one emergency room visit per person.