Howard Dean is a doctor. As a family physician for 11 years, he delivered health care to his patients. As Governor of Vermont for 11 years, he delivered health policies to his constituents that improved the quality and availability of care.
He and his wife Dr. Judith Steinberg Dean opened a family medical practice in Shelburne, Vermont. Dean continued practicing medicine while serving in the state legislature and as Lieutenant Governor.
A Record of Results
Under Governor Dean’s leadership, Vermont developed one of the best health care systems in the country.
- 96% of Vermont children have health insurance and 99% are eligible for coverage under Governor Dean’s Dr. Dynasaur program.
- More than a third of Medicare recipients in Vermont receive state help in paying for prescription drugs.
- Vermont was ranked the “Healthiest State” in the U.S. in 2001, 2002 and 2003 by the Morgan Quinto Press.
- In 1997, Governor Dean signed a law requiring insurance companies in Vermont to provide the same coverage for mental illness and substance-abuse treatment that they provide for physical conditions.
- As a result of early intervention programs established by Governor Dean, 89% of pregnant Vermont women enter prenatal care in their first trimester and 91% of families with newborns receive a voluntary home visit.
- Vermont has the lowest teenage pregnancy rate in the country – teen pregnancies decreased 49% during Governor Dean’s tenure.
- Child abuse dropped 45% under Governor Dean. Vermont was the first state to institute a statewide protocol for abuse investigations.
- Vermont ranks second in the nation in child immunizations—81% of children are fully immunized by age 2 and 97% are immunized before kindergarten.