How the renewal process works

Many Vermonters enrolled in Medicaid will need to take action to continue to have health insurance coverage. Read more to learn about the renewal process and where to go if you need help.

Q: Will my Medicaid be renewed automatically?

A: If the State of Vermont has enough information on file, some people will have their Medicaid coverage renewed automatically. In some situations, we will need to ask you for information about yourself and your family. We may ask you for your address, employment and income, age, and the number of people in your household. Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid members will receive a renewal packet in the in mail to complete and return.

Q: Do I need to do anything before I receive my renewal notice?

A: We encourage you to make sure your mailing address, phone number, and email address are up-to-date so your renewal reaches you. Log in to your account at www.VermontHealthConnect.gov or call 1-855-899-9600. Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid members can contact your specific eligibility specialist to update them directly or call Customer Support at 1-800-250-8427.

Check your mailbox for information from Vermont Health Connect or Green Mountain Care. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Q: I just sent in my renewal paperwork. Why did I get a closure notice?

If you sent us your renewal paperwork close to your renewal deadline, it may not have yet been entered into our system. In some cases, this can mean you may get a closure notice before we've reviewed your renewal paperwork. When your information has been reviewed, you will receive a notice updating you on the status of your eligibility. If you have any concerns about a notice you've received, or the status of your case, contact us directly.

Phone - call our Customer Support Center at 1-855-899-9600, OR
Online - log in to your account at VermontHealthConnect.gov and send us a portal message.
- Once you have logged in, please click on the "My Requests" tab.
- From that page, you can "Submit a Request" to send us a secure message regarding your account question.

The renewal notice

Q: When will I get my renewal notice?

A: Your renewal notice will be mailed to you the month before your renewal is due. Depending on your coverage, you will get a notice stating that:

Your Medicaid is renewed; or
You need to send in more information; or
You need to complete and return the renewal packet.

Q: How can I make sure I didn't miss my notice?

A: Once mailed, the notice will be posted on your Vermont Health Connect account. You can also call 1-855-899-9600 to determine the status of your health insurance. Long-term Care (LTC) Medicaid members can contact your specific eligibility specialist or call Customer Support at 1-800-250-8427.

Q: I got a notice from Vermont Health Connect asking for documents. What should I do?

A: Carefully read the entire notice to understand what is being asked. The notice might ask you for documents. It is important to send these documents. They may be required for you to get or maintain coverage. If you have any questions, call 1-855-899-9600. There are many options for sending us documents:

Mail copies to: Vermont Health Connect, Customer Service, Department of Vermont Health Connect, 280 State Drive, NOB 1 South, Waterbury, VT 05671-8100
Take pictures and use the secure document uploader; or
Bring copies of proof to an Economic Services Division district office.

If you need help to upload documents, contact a local Assister. If you need to scan or print documents, use a library or local business with computer and printing services.

Completing your renewal

Q: Can I complete my renewal online?

A: In some cases, yes. Your renewal notice will have information about how you can complete your renewal online. Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid members MUST complete and return the paper renewal form they receive.

Q: Can I complete my renewal by phone?

A: Yes! You can complete your renewal over the phone.

If you receive Medicaid for Children and Adults, including Dr. Dynasaur, call 1-855-899-9600.
If you receive Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled, call 1-800-250-8427.

Customer Support for each program are available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. A representative will help you through the process and submit your renewal for review.

Long-term Care (LTC) Medicaid members MUST complete and return the paper renewal form they receive in the mail.

Q: How long do I have to complete and return my renewal?

A: A due date will be listed on your notice - look for the words "Respond by". If you need help completing your renewal or getting the needed verification documents by the due date, please contact Customer Support at 1-855-899-9600. OR call 1-800-250-8427 for Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid help. We are here to help!

Q: How can I submit my verification documents for renewal?

A: There are several ways to submit your verification documents:

Mail copies to -
- Vermont Health Connect Customer Service Department of Vermont Health Access 280 State Drive, NOB 1 South Waterbury, VT 05671-8100
Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid members can mail copies to -
- DVHA, Customer Service Department of Vermont Health Access Application and Document Processing Center 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500
Take pictures and use the secure document uploader; or
Bring copies of proof to an Economic Services Division district office.

If you need to scan or print documents, use a library or local business with computer and printing services.

If you need help gathering your verification documents, please immediately call the Customer Support Center at 1-855-899-9600 or call 1-800-250-8427 for Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid help. Or contact a certified Assister near you. You can find one in your area by clicking here: https://info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/find-local-help/find.

Q: I am not able to complete my Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur renewal by the DEADLINE listed on my notice. Can I request an extension? And what is the process?

A: Yes, you can request more time to complete a renewal for Medicaid coverage. Please read this guide to learn about acceptable extension criteria and how to request a deadline extension. Questions? Call us at 855-899-9600.

Losing Medicaid, other insurance options, and who else can help

Q: What happens if I do not submit my renewal or verification documents by the due date?

A: If you do not return your renewal or send us documents by the due date, your Medicaid coverage will end. You will receive a notice ending your Medicaid coverage. The notice will include instructions on how to appeal the decision.

Q: What happens if I lose, or a family member loses, Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur? Can I choose an insurance plan?

A: Yes. We want you and your family to get and stay covered. If you are up for a renewal during the unwind period and can't stay on Medicaid, you or your family could enroll in a Qualified Health Plan. This is called a Special Enrollment Period. You may also get financial help to help pay for it. You will get a notice in the mail giving you instructions on what to do.

If you are employed, once you are not eligible for Medicaid you may be able to get coverage from your employer. Reach out to your employer and ask about coverage. The Medicaid closure notice will show loss of coverage. If you're married, your spouse may want to ask their employer about potential coverage options that can apply to you.

There are many opportunities to enroll through the health insurance marketplace. Vermonters who are no longer eligible for Medicaid may be able to transition to a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) and get financial help to lower costs. Some people could qualify for health plans that have zero-dollar monthly premiums. Generally, Vermonters may enroll in a QHP:

any time they meet certain income rules, OR
if they have a life event that opens a Special Enrollment Period, OR
during the annual Open Enrollment Period (Nov 1 - Jan15).

Vermonters may also use a temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to get a QHP through Vermont Health Connect. They can call to enroll at any time. This SEP may only be used once.

Don't delay. To avoid a gap in health coverage, contact us as soon as possible to reenroll.

Q: Who else can help me understand my health care options?

A: There are specially trained and certified professionals throughout Vermont who can help you find the right coverage. These are called Assisters. You can find help in your area by clicking here: https://info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/find-local-help/find.

You can also ask help from Vermont Legal Aid's Health Care Advocate by calling 1-800-917-7787.