The cost of health insurance on Vermont Health Connect is going up for many Vermonters in 2026, but there are steps you can take to reduce costs and find health care that will work for you.

Take action during the Vermont Health Connect Open Enrollment Period to find an insurance plan that will meet your health care and financial needs.

Vermont Health Connect Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. Visit healthconnect.vermont.gov to apply for health insurance or update your income information and compare plans.

What to know

• BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont (BCBSVT) plans are more expensive than MVP.
• Expanded Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC) are set to expire at the end of 2025. This means that Vermonters with incomes over 400% FPL will no longer qualify for financial help for their monthly health insurance premium.
• Households with income under 400% FPL will still qualify for APTC, but it will be less in 2026.
• If you receive too much APTC you will have to pay it back at tax time. This is very important in 2026 because there is no longer a limit for the amount of APTC you must pay back to the IRS if you get too much.

What to do

• Update your income with Vermont Health Connect during the Open Enrollment Period. Also report changes throughout the year.
• Use the Vermont Health Connect Tool to compare plans and check how much you can afford to pay in a monthly premium with your health care needs.
• Vermonters who do not qualify for financial help should consider buying reflective silver plans directly from MVP or BCBSVT. These plans offer good value for a lower monthly cost than some plans sold through Vermont Health Connect.
• Consider switching to MVP. MVP prices are lower than BCBSVT in 2026. If you have a BCBSVT plan, you can find a similar or equal MVP plan for less money. BCBSVT and MVP have their own provider networks and drug formularies. MVP and BCBSVT’s provider networks are similar, but you should check to see if your doctors will be covered before you switch.

Questions?

The Office of the Health Care Advocate is a free and confidential resource for Vermont residents who have questions about health insurance or access to care. Call or use our online help request form.

Also see the Vermont Health Connect section of our website.