Vermont Health Connect, Vermont’s health insurance marketplace, kicked off the Open Enrollment period on Saturday. The marketplace allows Vermonters to compare options, see if they qualify for free or reduced-cost health plans, and enroll in the plans that meet their needs and budget. Open Enrollment, a three-month period is the time when Vermonters can change health plans – if they want to.
“If you are currently a Vermont Health Connect customer and are happy with your current plan, you don’t have to do anything,” said Lawrence Miller, Chief of Health Care Reform. “If you do not report a change, your plan will automatically renew. If you later decide to change it, you have until February 15th to do so.”
If customers have a change to report – such as a change in income, job or desired health plan – they can visit VermontHealthConnect.gov and click on the Report a Change button. They can then fill out a simple Change Report Form, print, and mail it in. All Vermont Health Connect customers also received this form in the mail.
Also, starting today, new customers can sign up for 2015 health insurance plans online through VermontHealthConnect.gov, by calling the Customer Support Center toll-free at 1-855-899-9600, or in-person with the help of a local Assister. Vermonters who don’t have insurance because they are concerned by the cost are encouraged to try out the website’s Subsidy Estimator. Most current Vermont Health Connect customers have qualified for financial help to lower their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
“As of 11:30 this morning, we have processed 120 renewals and 32 new applications,” said Miller. “The system is operating as expected, we’re promptly dealing with minor issues that pop up, and we look forward to continuing to help Vermonters access health coverage.”
The deadline is December 15, 2014 for coverage that starts on January 1, 2015. Vermonters who sign up by January 15 will have a start date or February 1, and those who sign up by February 15 will have a start date of March 1.
Vermont Health Connect’s call center is open 8am – 1pm on Saturday and 8am – 8pm Monday through Friday at 1-855-899-9600 (toll-free).
Soruce: Vermont Health Connect 11.17.2014