A new analysis from Vermont's Green Mountain Care Board says health care costs grew slowly in 2011, climbing by just 1.5 percent.
That's down from average annual growth of 4.7 percent from 2006 to 2010.
Board Chairwoman Anya Rader Wallack says it's too early to declare victory over rising health costs, with the pace of cost growth expected to pick up in the coming few years.
Meanwhile, a second report from the board, on cost-shifting from government backed insurance programs to private insurance, says that continues to be a big problem.
