SVMC Community Health Needs Assessment 2021 - Catalog - Page 44
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Despite their utility in determining eligibility for assistance, the federal poverty guidelines are not
necessarily a true measure of economic status; individuals and households above the poverty guideline
still may struggle with financing basic needs. An additional measure that can be useful when seeking to
understand the financial positioning of a population is the percentage of Asset Limited, Income
Constrained, and Employed (ALICE) individuals and households within a county. ALICE households have
income above the federal poverty guideline, but their income is still not high enough to afford essentials
in the communities in which they live. The ALICE Essentials Index only includes six imperative household
costs: housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a smartphone plan.49
Percent of Households that are Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, and
Employed49
County
Bennington County
Windham County
Berkshire County
Washington County
Rensselaer County
Percent of population above the poverty
guideline but under the ALICE threshold
34%
28%
30%
32%
23%
State
Vermont 29%
Massachusetts 31%
New York 31%
SVMC’s community survey responses indicated that some individuals are struggling to afford
necessities, such as heat, medication, and food.
Survey Respondent Quote:
Survey Respondent Quote:
“If I could do one thing to improve my health, I
would be able to afford to get my car and
plumbing repaired so I can find a job and earn
some money. I have not had heat for the past two
winters.”
“To improve my health, I wish I
could afford medications
without the stress of the high
cost of my inhalers, etc.
Survey Respondent Quote:
“We have excellent health care facilities, but many families do not have transport or goodpaying jobs to afford buying food and/or to find adequate/affordable housing.”
49
United for ALICE. Research Center: National Overview, State-Level Details, 2018. Interactive Map.
https://www.unitedforalice.org/national-overview
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Community Health Needs Assessment 2021