Vermont Seeks New Green Mountain Care Board Chair
State officials are initiating the selection process to replace departing chair Owen Foster.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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Vermont is currently searching for a new chair for the Green Mountain Care Board following the announcement of Owen Foster's resignation in July 2026. The incoming leader will oversee the regulatory agency responsible for key health insurance and hospital budget decisions.
Why it matters
The board plays a critical role in Vermont healthcare by managing hospital budgets and determining insurance premium adjustments. Selecting a successor is essential for maintaining oversight of the states insurance landscape and staff operations.
The nine-person nominating committee is tasked with finding a replacement to lead an office of nearly 30 employees. This follows a period where individual marketplace premiums rose 74.6% between 2021 and 2025.
The players
Owen Foster
He is the current chair of the Green Mountain Care Board who joined the agency in 2022.
Green Mountain Care Board
This is a Vermont regulatory agency created in 2011 to approve hospital budgets and insurance premium changes.
The details
Vermont law mandates a nine-person nominating committee to vet applicants and submit them to the governor for selection. Once chosen, the candidate must still be confirmed by the state Senate to officially lead the board, which was originally established in 2011.
Timeline
The Green Mountain Care Board was created in 2011.
Individual marketplace plan premiums increased by 74.6% between 2021 and 2025.
Owen Foster joined the Green Mountain Care Board in 2022.
Owen Foster announced his resignation in July 2026.
The board approved premium increases of 1% to 6% for 2027.
Market Landscape
The search for a new chair follows the institutional framework established by the state's Green Mountain Care Board statute. This leadership transition occurs as the board navigates its mandate to manage fiscal sustainability and healthcare access across Vermont.
As the board regulates insurance premiums, the selection of a new chair will influence the approval process for future rate hikes. Residents may see changes to how the state evaluates affordability for small group and individual marketplace health plans.
The takeaway
The appointment process requires balancing stakeholder interests through a rigorous committee vetting system. Residents can monitor public state hearings to understand how the board balances insurance affordability with institutional funding needs.
Further reading
Learn more about local appointments and government officials on the Vermont People page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VTDigger.
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