Special enrollment period offers lower costs for thousands of Vermont households
Waterbury, VT– Thousands of Vermont households can now sign up for free and low-cost health plans on Vermont’s health insurance marketplace, thanks to an ongoing Special Enrollment Period (SEP) announced today by the Department of Vermont Health Access. While most SEPs are time-limited and linked to a particular life event, the new policy allows income-eligible residents to sign up any time of the year.
Single Vermonters may qualify with household income up to $25,760, while couples can earn up to $34,840. A family of four with a household income up to $53,000 may also qualify, with the children enrolling in Dr. Dynasaur and parents having their choice of several free and low-cost health plans.
“Our goal is to eliminate barriers that keep vulnerable Vermonters from enrolling in health insurance,” said Andrea De La Bruere, Commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access. “If Vermonters qualify for zero-premium health plans with the lowest out-of-pocket costs, let’s get them into those plans! This is an important tool to help Vermonters get insured and stay insured.”
To take advantage of the income-based SEP, a customer must sign up through the State’s health insurance marketplace, Vermont Health Connect, and must be eligible for financial help. Existing Vermont Health Connect members may qualify to change to a different plan.
Most Vermonters find that qualified health plans are more affordable than ever before thanks to expanded federal financial assistance through 2022. Reduced premium costs allow Vermonters to afford plans that have lower deductibles and lower out of pocket costs.
“Most uninsured Vermonters say cost is a primary reason they don’t have insurance,” said Adaline Strumolo, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access. “But Vermonters who qualify for this new special enrollment period are guaranteed to find a health plan that will cost less than being uninsured. We encourage everyone to log on and see for themselves.”
Vermonters can learn more about the new opportunity by visiting VermontHealthConnect.gov, calling the Customer Support Center at 1-855-899-9600, or by contacting trained, local professionals to help them through the Assister program.