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.
How the renewal process works
- Will my Medicaid be renewed automatically?
- Do I need to do anything before I receive my renewal notice?
- When will I get my renewal notice?
- How can I make sure I didn't miss my notice?
- I got a notice asking for documents. What should I do?
- I just sent in my renewal paperwork. Why did I get a closure notice?
Completing your renewal
- Can I complete my renewal online?
- Can I complete my renewal by phone?
- How long do I have complete and return my renewal?
- How can I submit my verification documents for renewal?
- I am not able to complete my renewal by the DEADLINE listed on my notice. Can I request an extension? And what is the process?
Losing Medicaid, other insurance options, and who else can help
- What happens if I do not submit my renewal or verification documents by the due date?
- What happens if I lose, or a family member loses, Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur? Can I choose an insurance plan?
- Who else can help me understand my health care options?
How the renewal process works
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. 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.
Q: When will I get my renewal notice?
A: Your renewal notice will be mailed to you the month before your renewal is due. Check your mailbox for an envelope with a red stripe.
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: Your official notice will come in the mail. If you need to take action, your notice may come in an envelope with a red stripe. We may also try to contact you using email, text, and by phone if we have that information. 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 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.
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.
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. If you have Medicaid for Children and Adults (including Dr. Dynasaur), you will have 60 days to complete your renewal. If you have Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled or a Pharmacy assistance program, you will have 90 days to complete your renewal. You can find the due date on your renewal notice.
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 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 your Medicaid coverage is going to end because you are no longer eligible, you will be information on how to apply for other health insurance. Eligible Vermonters can enroll and get help paying for a Qualified Health Plan through Vermont Health Connect. This is called a Special Enrollment Period. If eligible for financial help, people losing Medicaid coverage may find health plans that, like Medicaid, have zero (or near-zero) monthly premiums.
Explore the Plan Comparison Tool! See estimates of the total cost of each plan option AND find out of you qualify for financial help.
Generally, Vermonters may enroll in a Qualified Health Plan:
- 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.
If you are employed, once you are eligible for Medicaid you may be able to get coverage from your employer Reach out your employer. If they offer employer-sponsored insurance, you should be able to sign up for it. But you should check the affordability of your job-based coverage. If not you may be able to transition to a Qualified Health Plan and get financial aid to help lower costs.
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.