Health Insurance in Vermont

Find plans and explore healthcare options in the Green Mountain State.

Understanding Vermont's Healthcare System

Vermont operates its own state-based health insurance marketplace, **Vermont Health Connect** (VermontHealthConnect.gov), under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This platform serves as the central hub for individuals and families to compare and enroll in private health insurance plans and access federal financial assistance. Vermont fully expanded its Medicaid program, known collectively as **Green Mountain Care**, which includes coverage for children and pregnant individuals under the **Dr. Dynasaur** program (Medicaid/CHIP). The state also has an **individual mandate requiring** residents to maintain health coverage, though importantly, there is **currently no financial penalty** for non-compliance. Additionally, Vermont effectively **prohibits the sale of traditional short-term health plans** due to strict state regulations.

Navigating Vermont's system means using Vermont Health Connect to determine eligibility for either subsidized private plans (offered by BCBSVT or MVP) or Green Mountain Care programs. The state's high coverage rate is supported by these integrated systems and the mandate (even without a penalty).

Understanding enrollment periods through Vermont Health Connect and eligibility for Green Mountain Care is key to obtaining coverage. Use our free tools to get an instant quote for private plans or evaluate local market rates available through Vermont Health Connect.

Map of Vermont highlighting healthcare

Vermont Health Insurance Coverage ()

Employer

~50%

Non-Group

~10%

Green Mountain Care (Medicaid/CHIP)

~23%

Medicare

~22%

Military

~2%

Uninsured

~2.5%

Source: Approximate percentages based on KFF analysis of 2023 ACS data. Note: Categories may overlap; percentages may not sum exactly to 100%.

Vermont Health Facts at a Glance

Overall Health Ranking

#2

Est. Population (2025)

~0.65 M

Avg. Lifespan

~78.4 yrs

Avg. Hospital Stay / Day

~$3,000+

Avg. Health Expenditure / Person

$12,756*

Number of Hospitals

~15-20

*Avg. Health Expenditure per capita (KFF, 2020 data). Other stats based on most recent available data (2021-2025) - All stats are illustrative and need updating.

Health Insurance Programs for Vermont Residents

Vermont offers health coverage through its state marketplace and public programs, aiming for near-universal coverage:

  • Vermont Health Connect (VermontHealthConnect.gov): Vermont's official state-based health insurance marketplace. This is the single portal to apply for private health plans (Qualified Health Plans) with federal financial assistance, as well as Green Mountain Care programs (Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur).
  • Green Mountain Care (Medicaid): Vermont's Medicaid program provides comprehensive, free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Vermonters, including children, pregnant individuals, parents/caretakers, adults covered by the ACA expansion, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • Dr. Dynasaur (CHIP): Vermont's popular Children's Health Insurance Program provides free or low-cost coverage for children under 19 and eligible pregnant individuals, integrated within Green Mountain Care.
  • Medicare: The federal insurance program for people aged 65 and older and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities.
  • Patient Assistance Programs: Various programs may help lower prescription drug costs for eligible residents.

The integrated application via Vermont Health Connect helps residents find the most appropriate and affordable coverage option.

Vermont Short-Term Health Insurance

Important Note: The sale of new Short-Term Health Insurance plans is BANNED in Vermont.

Vermont state law and regulations prohibit the sale of short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans. These plans do not meet Vermont's minimum standards for comprehensive coverage, which include covering essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions without waiting periods.

Residents of Vermont needing health coverage must enroll in ACA-compliant plans through Vermont Health Connect, Green Mountain Care (Medicaid/Dr. Dynasaur), employer-sponsored insurance, or Medicare. Standard short-term health insurance is not a legally available option in the state.

Finding Health Coverage In Vermont

Finding health insurance in Vermont is primarily done through the state's official marketplace, Vermont Health Connect, which serves as the portal for both private plans and public programs like Green Mountain Care. Employer coverage is also a major source.

Vermont Open Enrollment via Vermont Health Connect

Open Enrollment for private health plans (Qualified Health Plans) in Vermont takes place through the state's marketplace, **Vermont Health Connect (VermontHealthConnect.gov)**. This period typically aligns with the federal window, running from **November 1st through January 15th** each year. Check the Vermont Health Connect website for exact dates. This is generally the only time to enroll in or change private plans unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Importantly, enrollment in **Green Mountain Care (Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur) is available year-round** for eligible Vermonters through the same Vermont Health Connect application.

Vermont Health Insurance Quotes & Costs

ACA-compliant private health plans are available through **Vermont Health Connect (VermontHealthConnect.gov)**. This is the exclusive source for Vermonters to access federal financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) to lower the cost of private insurance. Vermont Health Connect also determines eligibility for free or low-cost coverage through **Green Mountain Care (Medicaid/Dr. Dynasaur)**. Because of robust public programs and subsidies, many Vermonters qualify for highly affordable coverage. Comparing the two available private carriers (BCBSVT and MVP) and understanding potential eligibility for public programs via the single Vermont Health Connect application is essential. Our free quoting service can give an estimate for private plan rates, but applying through VHC provides the complete picture.

Major Health Insurance Providers in Vermont

Vermont's individual health insurance marketplace (Vermont Health Connect) has limited carrier participation. The two insurers offering plans statewide are typically:

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT)
  • MVP Health Care

While choice is limited to these two carriers for individual Marketplace plans, both offer a range of plans at different metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum).

It is crucial to carefully compare the specific plans offered by BCBSVT and MVP on the Vermont Health Connect platform, paying close attention to provider networks, drug formularies, and total estimated costs after subsidies. Free help from Vermont Health Connect Assisters is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance Vermont

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Vermont?

**Yes, Vermont does have a state individual mandate requiring** residents to maintain qualifying health insurance coverage. However, unlike some other states with mandates, **there is currently NO financial penalty** associated with not having coverage in Vermont. You will be asked on your state tax return whether you had coverage, but there is no state tax penalty if you answer no.

What's the Cost of Health Insurance in Vermont?

The cost of private health insurance varies based on age, location, plan choice (BCBSVT or MVP), family size, and tobacco use. Federal financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) is available exclusively through **Vermont Health Connect (VermontHealthConnect.gov)** for eligible residents, which can significantly lower costs. Furthermore, **Green Mountain Care (Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur)** offers free or very low-cost comprehensive coverage to a large portion of the state's population based on income. Many Vermonters qualify for highly affordable options. Use the tools on Vermont Health Connect or our free estimate tool to explore potential costs.

How to Secure Health Insurance in Vermont?

Vermonters can obtain health coverage through these main avenues:

  • Employer-Sponsored Plans: Coverage offered through a job.
  • Vermont Health Connect (VermontHealthConnect.gov): The state's official marketplace and single application portal for private plans (with federal subsidies) AND Green Mountain Care (Medicaid/Dr. Dynasaur). Enroll in private plans during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 - Jan 15) or SEP; apply for Green Mountain Care year-round.
  • Green Mountain Care (Medicaid/Dr. Dynasaur): Free or low-cost public coverage for eligible residents. Apply year-round via Vermont Health Connect.
  • Medicare: Federal program for those 65+ or with certain disabilities.
  • Directly from Insurance Companies: Less common for individual plans; no financial help available.
  • Short-Term Plans are BANNED: Not a legal option in Vermont.
Free enrollment assistance is available through Vermont Health Connect Assisters.

The Impact of Obamacare on Vermont Insurance Rates

The ACA (Obamacare) enabled Vermont to create its state marketplace, **Vermont Health Connect**, and fully expand **Medicaid (Green Mountain Care)**. These actions, along with the availability of federal subsidies via the marketplace, significantly reduced Vermont's uninsured rate, contributing to it being one of the lowest in the nation. Vermont also implemented a state **individual mandate** (though without a penalty) and **banned short-term plans**, reinforcing the state's commitment to comprehensive, ACA-compliant coverage. While healthcare costs remain high nationally and in Vermont, the ACA framework has substantially improved coverage access and affordability for residents.

Bottom Line

Finding health insurance in Vermont centers on using **Vermont Health Connect (VermontHealthConnect.gov)**. This single portal handles applications for both private plans (from BCBSVT or MVP) with federal subsidies and public programs like Green Mountain Care (Medicaid/Dr. Dynasaur). Remember the state mandate requires coverage (but has no penalty) and short-term plans are banned. Compare the two private carrier options carefully during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 - Jan 15) if you don't qualify for Green Mountain Care. Utilize the free assistance offered through Vermont Health Connect. Our quote tool or estimate tool can help preview private plan costs before applying through the official state portal.