This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
The Vermont Department of Health (DOH) website defines a CHW as a “front line public health professional who is a trusted member of or has a close understanding of the community being served. A CHW uses a person-centered approach to build trusting relationships that enable the CHW to serve as a liaison between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural and linguistic competence of service delivery. In addition, a CHW increases self-sufficiency, well-being, and positive health outcomes through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, supportive guidance, self-management, coaching, and the provision of social support and advocacy.”
State CHW Governance
Vermont does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs. State CHW initiatives are supported by the Vermont Department of Health.
Certification and Training
No state-approved process or program currently exists for a CHW-specific core competency training in Vermont.
Community College of Vermont launched a statewide Community Health Certificate program in fall 2021. The certificate prepares students for a variety of frontline positions in public health. In 2020, a multi-sector group that included CHWs and state and community partners completed a review of core competencies in other states and published a reportidentifying core competencies and scope of practice for CHWs in Vermont.
Through September 2025, Vermont CHWs can take New Hampshire Core Competency training courses remotely, with financial assistance through CHW ADVANCE!.
Medicaid Reimbursement
Vermont does not currently reimburse CHW services through Medicaid. A limited number of programs receive Medicaid funds for specific services that may include CHWs.
The Vermont Blueprint for Health (pursuant to 18 V.S.A. §702) is a statewide network of National Committee for Quality Assurance-certified patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) supported by regional program managers, quality improvement managers, self-management program coordinators, and a regional Community Health Team (CHT). Blueprint uses a multi-payer model (Medicaid/Medicare and commercial payers) to support PCMHs through funding, training, and support. Some CHTs include CHWs in staffing configuration. The state has used Medicaid waivers and state plan amendments to pay for these services, as well as other mechanisms such as hospital budgets and grants.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
Vermont’s 2023 appropriations bill granted $350,000 to the Bridges to Health and University of Vermont Extension Community Health Worker Outreach program to support outreach, enrollment, education, transition, referral, and care coordination to migrant workers and farm families.
Key Partnerships
Community College of Vermont, the Vermont Association of Community Health Workers, and other community-based organizations are key partners in training and supporting the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation
Information is unavailable.
State Resources
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
