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Immigrant Health Insurance Plan (IHIP)

IHIP began July 1, 2022!

View the public notice for the IHIP launch here

What is IHIP (Immigrant Health Insurance Plan)?

Act 48 (H.430) of 2021 created a new, state-funded health care program for pregnant individuals and children under age 19 who have an immigration status for which Vermont Medicaid is not available (except for Emergency Medicaid). This program is called IHIP.

How do I apply for IHIP?

There are two ways to apply for IHIP:

  1. Use the Medicaid application (205ALLMED)
  2. Use the IHIP application (205IHIP)

Are you pregnant?

  1. If you apply using the Medicaid application:
    • If you meet the rules, you will get both Emergency Medicaid and IHIP.
      • Emergency Medicaid will pay for your labor and delivery.
      • IHIP will pay for your other health care needs.
    • We will put your baby on Medicaid as soon as they are born. You won't have to apply.
    • The baby will get Medicaid for 12 months after they are born. This is true even if your income goes up. but they must keep living in Vermont.
    • We share your health insurance information with CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). CMS helps run Medicaid. The law says we and CMS can only share your information for Medicaid reasons. Information CANNOT be shared with federal immigration authorities like ICE.
  2. If you apply using the IHIP application:
    • If you meet the rules, you will only get IHIP.
    • Your baby won't get Medicaid as soon as they are born. You will have to apply. We have 45 days to decide if they get it.
    • Your health information can't be shared with any part of federal government.

Are you under age 19?

  • You can apply for IHIP using the Medicaid application OR the IHIP application. They both pay for the same things.
  • Are you using the IHIP application? Your health information can't be shared with any part of federal government.
  • Are you using the Medicaid application? We share your health information with CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). CMS helps run Medicaid. The law says we and CMS can only share your information for Medicaid reasons. Information CANNOT be shared with federal immigration authorities like ICE.

Do you have others in your household who are US citizens? Or do they have eligible immigration status for Medicaid?

  • You can use one Medicaid application to apply for yourself and others you live with.
  • Did you apply using the IHIP application? Are others who live with you citizens or have eligible immigration status? You must use the Medicaid application to apply for them.

How to apply using the Medicaid application:

How to apply using the IHIP application:

Send proof with your application:

For each person applying, we need proof of identity, age, and that they live in Vermont. We also need proof of income for everyone in your household. The documents below describe what kinds of proof we accept. Send your proof with your application if you can. Send us copies. We won't send your proof back to you.

What does IHIP cover?

IHIP is very similar to Dr. Dynasaur. IHIP covers hospital, medical, and dental services as well as prescription drugs. IHIP does NOT cover long-term services and supports, including home- and community-based services (HCBS).

Learn more about what IHIP covers in this pamphlet:

What if I got services before July 1? Will IHIP pay my bills?

Talk to your doctor. Funding is available for health care services delivered to pregnant individuals and children who have an immigration status for which Vermont Medicaid is not available through a grant opportunity. This grant opportunity ends June 30, 2022. Information for interested providers can be found at the DVHA webpage Act 48: Funding for Providers.

What are the rules for IHIP?

IHIP has an administrative rule that establishes eligibility, enrollment, rights and responsibilities, services, and appeals. The IHIP administrative rule can be found on the Health Care Rules page on the Agency of Human Services website.

I'm a health care provider. What do I need to know about IHIP?

If you are a Vermont Medicaid enrolled provider, you can bill us for services you provide to people with IHIP just as you bill for people with Medicaid. As stated above, IHIP coverage is very similar to Medicaid. IHIP covers hospital, medical, and dental services as well as prescription drugs. IHIP does NOT cover long-term services and supports, including home and community-based services (HCBS).

More information for providers is coming soon!