Campbell and Andersen: Breaking Vermonters

We feel blessed to operate two small businesses — a flower farm and a farm to plate restaurant in Vermont. Like so many other Vermonters, we take pride in working hard, contributing to our community, and raising our family here. But these days, it feels like no amount of hard work can make up for the crushing cost of health insurance. For my family of three — two healthy adults and a child — the price of health coverage through Vermont Health Connect is set to rise so high that it will well exceed our mortgage. Think about that for a moment: staying insured costs more than keeping a roof over our heads.

For farmers, entrepreneurs and nearly 200,000 Vermonters, VT Health Connect is the only way to access insurance if we don't have coverage through an employer. With Republicans and Trump eliminating federal credits that helped level the playing field and make health insurance accessible, families across Vermont are facing monthly premiums that will double next year.

I am grateful to Senators Welch and Sanders, and Congresswoman Balint for standing up for Vermonters during the recent federal government shutdown. They've been clear: access to health care is not optional, and families in Vermont should not be forced to choose between paying their mortgage or healthcare premiums. They know that without affordable insurance, young families and seniors move away and small businesses close their doors.

Contrast that with Gov. Phil Scott, who continues to talk about making Vermont more affordable while standing on the sidelines as insurance costs skyrocket. If Gov. Scott truly wants to do more than just talk about affordability, he should follow the example set by U.S. Sen. Peter Welch and our congressional delegation. Empty rhetoric will not pay the premiums or keep Vermont farms and small businesses afloat. For small businesses and farms in Vermont, the cost of health insurance isn't just a personal burden — it's a growth killer.

When health care costs consume a disproportionate share of household income, families cut back on spending in local stores, restaurants, and services. Dollars that would otherwise circulate in our local community are instead absorbed by premiums and medical bills. For farmers and local employers, money that could be reinvested in equipment, infrastructure, or new hires goes instead to insurance carriers. The result is a drag on local growth, fewer jobs created, and less resilience in rural economies. Skyrocketing health insurance costs don't just hurt individual families — they hold back the entire Vermont economy. Every dollar spent on outrageous premiums is a dollar not spent creating jobs, supporting local businesses, or sustaining Vermont's local communities.

Unless leaders at every level fight to protect Vermonters from crushing health costs, we will continue to lose the very people — farmers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners — who give our state its character and strength. Sens. Welch and Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Becca Balint chose to fight for us. It's time Gov. Scott did the same.

Olivia Campbell and Eric Andersen are the co-founders of Anderbell Acres & Co-owner Woodbelly Pizza. They live in East Montpelier.