Vermont Just Justice Recommendations for Prison Health Care
Vermont Just Justice has been following the discussion of prison healthcare in Vermont, and the reliance of hedge fund-owned Wellpath LLC to provide that care. Contrary to what we hear from DOC and the provider, our connections to those inside tell a different story. The following are our recommendations to the Vermont Legislator. Please share this post, and particularly share it with legislators in your county.
Independent oversight of the current contract with Wellpath, LLC
VjJ has heard, and is still receiving, reports of the failure of the health care system in our prisons. Vermont has contracted with a private company that has to pay a return to its investors, that has a very poor record of providing adequate care, and has had many law suits against it for substandard care and unnecessary deaths. DOC tells us that Wellpath has agreed to provide the “Vermont standard of care.”It appears that DOC will take Wellpath’s word that this care is being provided.
When asked to see all of the Vermont Department of Corrections healthcare policies as they pertain to thehealth care of the incarcerated individuals of Vermont, the response our colleague received was a link to a list of department directives. The directives contain no specific information. All we learn is “all clinical decisions and actions pertaining to an inmate’s healthcare shall be made by a QHCP (Qualified Health Care Professional), in accordance with prevailing medical standards for correctional environments.” This appears contrary to what we are being told, that incarcated people are receiving the community standard of care.
In response to a request for Wellpath LLC HealthCare Policies for our Vermont incarcerated persons, the same DOC staffperson told us that “Any policies developed and used by the Department’s Medical Services Contractor should be requested from the Contractor. The Department is not the custodian of those records.” Currently, the only oversight to the current provider, Wellpath, is the Department of Corrections. VJJ believes there should be independent oversight of Wellpath to ensure that they are meeting Vermont’s standards of care. This oversight committee should not be comprised of DOC staff and legislators only; it should include health care professionals, formerly incarcerated people, and family members of the incarcerated.
Alternatives to Contracting with Corporate Providers
Roughly half of prisons and jails in the US do not contract with corporate health care providers. Corrections Commissioner Deml has told us that his department determined would cost Vermont $80M or more to provide health care through the state. We would like to see how those estimates were reached. There are also other partnering options available. We want those options to be explored before signing another contract with Wellpath or any other for-profit healthcare provider.
— Meg McCarthy
member, Vermont Just Justice
One Comment
Leave A Comment
Vermont Just Justice is an all-volunteer organization. Help us continue to support Vermont’s incarcerated people and change our state’s criminal legal system.
I am a other of an incarcerated son who takes meds for his addiction. He was only on 12 MG of his med and was accused of not taking it correctly was searched immediately after leaving med room,no evidence was found in his mouth of the drug or on his person. Yet the Doctor halved his prescription and he is suffering withdrawal, while standered practice calls for taking 2 MG off of dose every 2 days.and he has to fight this through a possible hearing. And wait 1 to 2 months to be placed on the correct level. This company plays games with our loved ones right for care. Vermont government also needs to oversight issues with are company’s in our prisons.not just Corrections and the company providing care. Our hospitals have regulatory oversight why not our prisons.