Vermont Residents: COVID-19 and Your Health Insurance Options
Because of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Department of Vermont Health Access has announced there will be a new Special Enrollment Period for uninsured Vermont residents to sign up for health insurance through Vermont Health Connect. The deadline to enroll during the Special Enrollment Period is August 14, 2020, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and enroll as soon as you can.
How Do I Sign Up?
To get coverage you’ll need to enroll online, or call the Customer Support Center toll-free at 1-855-899-9600 between Monday and Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and request to sign up through the Special Enrollment Period. If you’d like to sign up online, visit the Vermont Health Connect site and fill out your application.
Just note, since this Special Enrollment Period is only for people who are uninsured, you won’t be able to switch plans if you are already enrolled in a health plan. However, if you enrolled during Open Enrollment for coverage starting 1/1, but are no longer enrolled (for any reason), you are eligible to enroll for this SEP.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
Each year you’re able to sign up for insurance for the coming year during a specific time called Open Enrollment Period, typically November 1st to mid-December. If you’re looking to sign up for insurance this is the only time you’re able to, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
To be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll need proof of a qualifying life event, which is a major change to your lifestyle or household. Most eligible events cause you to lose your current health coverage.
Examples of regular qualifying life events include:
Losing job-based coverage
Having a baby
Getting married or divorced
Moving to a new zip code or county
Getting released from prison
Get the full list of common qualifying events here.
The COVID-19 Special Enrollment is different from a regular Special Enrollment Period because you do not need a qualifying event, you just need to be uninsured this year.
Coronavirus Coverage Information
The Department of Health and Human Services announced that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing is covered as an essential health benefit. This means that if you have a qualified health insurance plan, Medicaid, or Medicare, the test is applied to your copays or deductible.
Want to learn more about coronavirus? Check out our COVID-19 Resource Guide for Independent Workers.