Vermonters can enroll in or change their health insurance plans through Vermont Health Connect, the state’s health insurance marketplace. During open enrollment, new customers can sign up for health and dental insurance plans for the coming year (coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2020) and existing customers can change their current plans. Open enrollment begins on Nov. 1 and ends on Dec. 15.
Most Vermonters who enroll in qualified health plans through Vermont Health Connect qualify for financial help.
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) relative to the 2020 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is used to determine eligibility for 2021 Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC), Vermont Premium Assistance (VPA), and Enhanced Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions (CSR). MAGI relative to 2020 FPL will be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur until April 2020 when 2021 FPL will be adopted. As a basic reference point, a single person making $49,960 or less could qualify for some financial aid, for a couple the threshold is $67,640 according to healthconnect.vermont.gov/
Vermonters can find out if they qualify for financial help and select the best health insurance plan for themselves by using the Plan Comparison Tool. This tool compares the plans offered based on both plan design and total cost (including premium and out-of-pocket costs).
“We understand that enrolling in health insurance can be overwhelming for many people. The Plan Comparison Tool was designed to help Vermonters understand the various options available to them, based on their health needs and budget,” said Commissioner Cory Gustafson. “Additionally, we have our Customer Support Center and network of in-person Assisters available to help Vermonters make the best choice possible when selecting health insurance plans during this year’s Open Enrollment period.”
Existing customers who want to remain in the same health insurance plan will be automatically renewed into the 2020 version of their current health insurance plan. This means existing customers can just continue to pay their bills on time as the renewal process is completed for them. Under a new law, when Vermonters file their state taxes for the 2020 tax year, they must report if they had health insurance (including Medicaid and Medicare) for each month of the year. There is no cash penalty for not having health insurance.
Like last year, there will be some gold level plans, which usually offer lower out-of-pocket costs, available for a lower monthly premium for customers who qualify for financial help, when compared to silver level plans. There will also be bronze level qualified health plans that may be purchased for a $0 premium for Vermont Health Connect customers who qualify for a certain level of financial help.
