How to Apply for Vermont Health Connect

How to Apply for Vermont Health Connect — Individuals & Families

News:

Vermonters impacted by flooding can enroll in a Vermont Health Connect health plan
Vermonters who lost Medicaid during the “Medicaid Unwind Period” can also enroll in a Vermont Health Connect health plan

The open enrollment period for Vermont Health Connect (VHC) is from November 1 to January 15. During this time, you can buy a health plan for 2024 or switch to a different plan.

After the open enrollment period ends, you can’t buy a health plan through VHC unless you have a qualifying event.

For example, you might be able to buy a health plan or change your plan if you recently:

got married or divorced
had a baby
moved to Vermont
lost insurance from your job

There are also two new qualifying events that let you enroll in a plan at any time:

if you are below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and qualify for financial help
if you have lost your Medicaid coverage since March 2023.

For the full list, check out our qualifying events page.

Note: You can apply for Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur any time of the year. You don't have to wait for open enrollment.

Read below for information about:

how to apply for the first time
how to apply in special situations:
- victims of domestic violence
- young adults under age 26
- someone with an employer offer of health insurance
- immigrants

I need to pick a plan for the first time

Learn about your insurance options: Use the Plan Comparison Tool on the Vermont Health Connect website to find out:
- If you are eligible for Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur or a health plan with financial help.
- If you are eligible for a health plan, look at the costs for each plan – the premium (monthly cost), copays and coinsurance.
Apply for insurance through VHC:
- Online: Click “Apply Now” to create an online account and then submit an application.
- By phone: Call 1-855-899-9600.
- By mail: Download and print the application on VHC’s website, then mail it to VHC.
- In-person: You can get help applying for insurance by calling or meeting with trained helpers called assisters. Find an assister near you.

I might qualify for Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur

If you report that your household income is under a certain amount or that you are pregnant, you might qualify for Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur. Visit those pages to learn more.

What happens next?

When you apply for health insurance through VHC, they will check to see if you qualify for different programs based on your income and household size. These programs include Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur and private health plans through VHC.

If you apply online or by phone: VHC will tell you immediately if qualify for any of the programs and if you are eligible for financial help. You will also get a letter about your eligibility in the mail.
If you apply with a paper application: You will get a letter about your eligibility in the mail.

If you disagree

If you apply and VHC makes a decision that you think is wrong, you can:

appeal the decision
contact the Office of the Health Care Advocate for help:
- Call 1-800-917-7787 or
- Fill out our online help request

How to apply in special situations

We have more information about how to apply for these people:

victims of domestic violence
- Read our answer to the question: Do I need to file taxes to be eligible for the tax credit?
young adults under age 26
- Read our answer to the question: Are there special rules for young adults under age 26?
people who have an offer of employer-sponsored health insurance
- Read our answer to the question: Can my family and I still get the premium tax credit if my employer offers health insurance?
immigrants
- Read more about health care options for immigrants and what application to use.

Reporting income and household changes during the year

During the year, tell VHC if your income or household size change.

Online: Log into your VHC account to report changes.
By phone: Call 1-855-899-9600