Enrollment period open for health plans through Vermont Health Connect

Vermont’s open enrollment period for 2027 plans started on Nov. 1 and runs through Monday, Dec. 28. During open enrollment, Vermonters can sign up for or change their qualified health and dental plans through Vermont Health Connect. While open enrollment ends on Dec. 28, be aware that but only Vermonters who enroll by Tuesday, Dec. 15 will have coverage starting Friday, Jan. 1, 2027.

The Department of Vermont Health Access advises that Vermonters should go online now and use DVHA’s plan comparison tool to find the 2027 health coverage that best fits their needs. To enroll or change your plan, please click here.  

Commissioner DaShawn Groves of the Department of Vermont Health Access urges residents to access the website to “use our plan comparison tool to find the 2027 health coverage that works for you. We’re once again facing an open enrollment period with federal changes that present unique challenges. It’s important to stay covered, and the best way to do that is to explore your coverage options now, before the Dec. 15 deadline.”

There are several federally mandated changes to plans available through Vermont Health Connect to be aware of this year:

Shorter open enrollment period

• Open enrollment for 2027 plans will be shorter than in previous years. This year’s open enrollment period ends on Dec. 28. DVHA encourages Vermonters to sign up by Dec. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Some non-citizens, immigrants no longer eligible for financial help

• Starting in plan year 2027, only lawful permanent residents, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association migrants will be able to get financial help to pay for a Qualified Health Plan. Additional categories of non-citizens will become ineligible for financial assistance but may still be able to get a Qualified Health Plan at full cost.

Advance Premium Tax Credits repayment caps removed

• Beginning with the 2026 tax year (filed in 2027), if customers underestimate their income when signing up for a Qualified Health Plan, they will have to pay back the FULL AMOUNT of premium tax credits received when they file their taxes.

Additional information about these federally mandated changes can be found on the DVHA website: Health Insurance Changes: Stay informed! | Vermont Health Connect.

Most Vermonters enrolled through Vermont Health Connect qualify for financial assistance. All plans offered through Vermont Health Connect cover the same services but differ in monthly premium costs and out-of-pocket costs at the time of service. For more information and some examples of different plans, family configurations and costs, click here.

“Around 80% of Vermonters enrolled through Vermont Health Connect already benefit from financial assistance,” Said DVHA Deputy Commissioner Lesie Wisdom, “You can shop DVHA’s online plan comparison tool now to see what plan options meet your needs, and how much financial assistance is available.”

It’s easy to sign up and review options

• Create an account and apply. Tell us about your household. You will be screened to see if you are eligible for financial help to help pay for a health plan.
• The easy-to-use 2027  Plan Comparison Tool is designed to help you choose a health plan that best meets your financial and medical needs.
• Assisters are professionals who are trained and certified by the Department of Vermont Health Access to help Vermonters enroll and maintain health coverage. They can answer questions and walk you through an application. Assisters work for various agencies in the community, such as hospitals, health care providers, and community-based organizations.
• Learn how to calculate if employer-sponsored insurance is affordable or if you can get financial help through the marketplace with this online tool.

Vermonters who want to learn more can join DVHA’s Open Enrollment Virtual Town Hall at noon on Thursday, Dec. 3.

For additional information visit www.VermontHealthConnect.gov, call the Customer Support Center at 1-855-899-9600, or contact an in-person Assister near you.