Vermont Health Connect 2018 Open Enrollment Runs Nov.1 – Dec. 15
Enroll in a Plan, Make Changes to Existing Plans, Compare Plans
Now is the time to consider your health insurance options and choose the health plan that best fits your medical needs and budget. The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) has launched the “2018 Plan Comparison Tool,” an online tool that allows people to compare at least 24 health plan options by monthly premiums and deductible amounts as well as by estimated total annual costs. The 2018 Plan Comparison tool is available online at https://vt.checkbookhealth.org. Now is the time to consider your options as the 2018 Open Enrollment for Vermont Health Connect runs November 1 through December 15th.
Open enrollment is the period of time when people who are eligible to enroll in a Vermont Health Connect plan can enroll in a plan, make changes to an existing plan, and/or choose a different plan. Current Vermont Health Connect members that are satisfied with their current health care plan are not required to take any action. As long as they continue to pay their bills, they will automatically be renewed into the 2018 version of their 2017 plan. However, if they wish to comparison shop various plans, state officials suggest they do their research now, before open enrollment begins.
When logged in to the 2018 Plan Comparison Tool, you will be asked to enter your age, income, health status, and expected use of medical services. From there, the tool tells the user if they qualify for subsidies to lower the cost of coverage. It also presents the estimated total costs of each of the 24+ qualified health plans in a typical year as well as a high-use year.
More than three-quarters of Vermont Health Connect members find that they qualify for subsidies to lower the cost of insurance, with the typical individual receiving $395 per month toward the insurance plan of their choice. For most uninsured Vermonters, this means it is cheaper to buy health insurance and gain health care than to pay the federal fee for being uninsured and still risk the immense costs that can come from an accident or unexpected illness.
Starting November 1st, applicants can sign up for Vermont Health Connect in one of four ways: online, by phone, by paper, or with an in-person assister. For more information or to get started, visit http://VermontHealthConnect.gov or call 1-855-899-9600.
Copley Hospital Patient Financial Counselor Angela Griggs is also available to assist people with enrollment. She can be reached at 802-888-8336.
For more information, visit https://www.copleyvt.org/about-us/articles/vt-health-connect-open-enrollment-runs-nov-1-dec-15.