The Dept. of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) released figures on marketplace open enrollment for 2025 earlier this month after Vermont’s open enrollment period ended on Jan. 15— data showed a substantial increase in the number of Vermonters enrolling in plans through Vermont’s health insurance marketplace, known as Vermont Health Connect. Most Vermonters enrolled in Qualified Health Plans through the marketplace will benefit from increased subsidies and better coverage in 2025 than in previous years.
During Vermont’s 2025 Open Enrollment period, over 32,000 Vermonters signed up for their health and dental plans through Vermont Health Connect. This is an approximately 11% increase in newly enrolled members and represents historically high enrollment for the marketplace.
This year, many Vermonters were eligible for plans with a higher level of coverage at lower premium costs due to increased federal subsidies — 95% of those enrolled through Vermont Health Connect are benefitting from more available subsidies to reduce health insurance premium costs.
For 2025, nearly half of Vermonters enrolled through the marketplace will be covered by a Gold plan. This is a substantial increase and means that more Vermonters will be receiving more generous coverage than in previous years. All Qualified Health Plans have the same comprehensive benefits, but Gold plans have lower out of pocket costs. Vermonters will receive an average of $240 per month more financial help in 2025, representing a 37.5% increase over 2024.
For plan year 2025, an eligible individual earning $40,000 a year qualified for the lowest-cost Gold plan for less than $1 a month — a savings of $1,138 each month. A family of four with a household income of $100,000 qualified for a Gold plan for $155.37 a month — a monthly savings of $3,044, or more than $35,000 per year. (For those not eligible for subsidies, the cost of the Gold plan for a family of four is $38,392.44 per year.)
“DVHA is excited to see these historic numbers for the 2025 Open Enrollment period, demonstrating that more Vermonters recognize the value of having affordable, high-quality health coverage. The state is utilizing all available tools to support Vermonters in accessing affordable, high-quality health plans. Access to these health plans lowers barriers to care, encourages preventative care, and reduces out-of-pocket costs. This year, more Vermonters are enrolling in plans with lower out-of-pocket costs, meaning they have stronger financial protection when they need care,” said DaShawn Groves, commissioner of the department of Vermont Health Access. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also want to encourage Vermonters to keep their coverage year after year—because maintaining health insurance is one of the most important ways to safeguard both health and financial well-being.”
The increased availability of financial assistance is largely because of enhanced federal subsidies. These enhanced subsidies are due to expire at the end of this year without congressional action. If these subsidies do not continue, Vermonters with health insurance through the marketplace may face significantly higher premium payments in 2026.
The 95% of people who are enrolled through Vermont Health Connect qualify for financial help. Thousands of Vermonters now pay less than $25 a month for coverage through the marketplace. The increased cost savings available for Vermonters in 2025 have helped more people get better coverage at lower costs and represent a substantial benefit to Vermont’s mission of providing high quality, affordable health care to all Vermonters.
