Starting spring 2023, Vermont will be required to see who can still get Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur. Why? For the last three years, states have been required to keep people on Medicaid with a few exceptions. Vermont is preparing for the end of this requirement. We have made an "unwind" plan to ensure Vermonters continue to have positive health care options.
This page tells you what to do to get ready for when the renewal process begins. This effort will be spread out over 12 months. It will take more than a year to complete the process for all Medicaid enrollees. Check back for regular updates.
This is very important!
Update your contact information to receive important notices, resources, and alerts. Log in to your account at www.VermontHealthConnect.gov or call 1-855-899-9600.
- Make sure your mailing address, email address, and phone numbers are correct.
- NEW! Add a cell phone number to your account - we want to text you with important reminders.
Long Term Care (LTC) Medicaid members working with a specific eligibility specialist can update them directly or call Customer Support at 1-800-250-8427.
Take action to stay in charge of your Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur coverage!
Have questions? Please call 1-855-899-9600 or write us at AHS.VTHealthConnect@vermont.gov. Stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
What to know
Your Medicaid will not suddenly end when the unwind begins. You will receive communication from the State of Vermont before it is time to provide information to "renew" your coverage.
- What is the Medicaid unwind? How long will it last?
- What if I am enrolled in Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MABD), a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), the Healthy Vermonters Programs (HVP) or VPharm?
- Will I be contacted about my Medicaid status?
- When and how do I know when my case will be reviewed?
- What are my options if I can no longer get Medicaid?
- Is anything else about my Medicaid coverage changing?
- My children are on Dr. Dynasaur. I can't pay now - will my children lose their coverage?
- Does this mean the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is over?
Q: What is the Medicaid unwind? How long will it last?
A: The "unwind" is a 12-month period where states restart the Medicaid renewal process for members. Vermont's renewal process will begin in spring 2023. This process will happen gradually and will be spread out over time.
Q: What if I am enrolled in Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MABD), Long-Term Care Medicaid (LTC Medicaid) a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), the Healthy Vermonters Programs (HVP) or VPharm?
A: Just like Medicaid for Children and Adults (MCA) and Dr. Dynasaur, if you are enrolled in one of these MABD-related programs, you will need to renew your coverage during the unwinding period. We will contact you when it is time for you to renew. If someone is no longer eligible for their current program, they will be screened and have a chance to enroll in other coverage.
Q: Will I be contacted about my Medicaid status?
A: The State of Vermont is committed to supporting Vermonters through this change. Your Medicaid won't stop without an opportunity to update your information. However, it is important to make sure your mailing address, email address, and phone numbers are correct. Log into 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. We will mail you more about these changes when it is your time to renew coverage. It is important that you provide the needed information when you're contacted.
Q: When and how do I know when my case will be reviewed?
A: When it is your turn to renew, we will mail you more information. Look out for the envelope with the red stripe. Vermonters will receive their renewal notices at different times over the unwind period. Most households will receive a text message or postcard in advance of this mailing.
Q: What are my options if I can no longer get Medicaid?
A: If your Medicaid coverage is going to end because you are no longer eligible, you will get information on how to apply for other health insurance.
Eligible Vermonters can get help paying for a Qualified Health Plan. The increased financial help has been extended through 2025. It can act as a bridge between Medicaid and Marketplace coverage through Vermont Health Connect. If eligible for Marketplace subsidies, people losing Medicaid coverage may find health plans that, Like Medicaid, have zero (or near-zero) monthly premiums.
Q: Is anything else about my Medicaid coverage changing?
A: During the COVID-19 public health emergency, some copays were stopped. Starting February 1, 2023, copays for outpatient hospital visits and some drug prescriptions are starting again. More information about Medicaid copays can be found on the Medicaid webpage.
Have questions? Call the Green Mountain Care Customer Support Center at 1-800-250-8427.
Q: My children are on Dr. Dynasaur. I can't pay now - will my children lose their coverage?
A: No. We will not send a bill for Dr. Dynasaur premiums during the unwind period. No one will lose Dr. Dynasaur coverage if you can't pay during this time.
Q: Does this mean the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is over?
A: No. The Medicaid continuous coverage requirement was originally tied to the federal Public Health Emergency. The law has changed. Redeterminations will now start this spring even though the federal government has extended the Public Health Emergency.
How the renewal process works
- Will my Medicaid be renewed automatically?
- When will I get my renewal notice?
- Do I need to do anything before I receive my renewal notice?
- I got a notice from Vermont Health Connect asking for documents. What should I do?
- How can I make sure I didn't miss my notice?
- Can I complete my renewal online?
- Can I complete my renewal by phone?
- What happens if I lose, or a family member loses, Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur? Can I choose an insurance plan?
- How long do I have to complete and return my renewal?
- How can I submit my verification documents for renewal?
- What happens if I do not submit my renewal or verification documents by the due date?
- Who else can help me understand my health care options?
- Will the renewal process be different now than it was before January 2020?
Q: Will my Medicaid be renewed automatically?
A: We will be able to process many Medicaid renewals automatically based on information available. In some situations, we will need to ask you for information about yourself and your family, like 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: 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: 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 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 and 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: 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: Can I complete my renewal online?
A: In some cases, yes. Your renewal notice will have information 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: 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 assistance to help pay for it. You will get a notice in the mail giving you instructions on what to do.
Q: How long do I have to complete and return my renewal?
A: A due date will be listed on your 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 have difficulty 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 on in your area by clicking here: https://info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/find-local-help/find.
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 do not provide requested information or 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: 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.
Q: Will the renewal process be different now than it was before January 2020?
A: The renewal process will be the same as it was before. Here is the process -
- You will receive your renewal notice in the mail with a due date printed on it.
- Complete, sign and mail the renewal form.
- Vermont Health Connect or Green Mountain Care will look at your paperwork to see if you are still eligible for Medicaid.
- You will get a notice in the mail letting you know the outcome of your renewal.
Partners & Providers
When the Medicaid unwind begins, Vermonters enrolled in Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur will have their eligibility redetermined. To ensure these Vermonters stay insured, we are asking partners, advocates, providers, and friends to help spread the word. Many Vermonters will need to take action to continue to have health insurance coverage.
There are many different ways for Vermonters enrolled in Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur to update their contact information with us:
- Medicaid members who have an online account can log in to www.VermontHealthConnect.gov.
- Medicaid members without online access can call Customer Support toll-free at 1-855-899-9600.
- Long Term Care (LTC) Medicaid members working with a specific eligibility specialist can update them directly or call Customer Support at 1-800-250-8427.
- In-person Assisters are also available to help with updating Medicaid application information. Find an Assister in your area by clicking here.