Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) today announced a new series of resources to help Vermonters who are transitioning to the state’s health benefits exchange called Vermont Health Connect. In preparation for October 1 open enrollment which is less than one week away, BCBSVT is leading a series of more than 20 enrollment support meetings across Vermont where its team of exchange specialists will be available to meet one-on-one with individuals and businesses.
SEE TABLE BELOW
In addition, the company has developed new web tools to help Vermonters find the plan that best fits their needs or most closely matches their current coverage. Specialists will be on hand at the enrollment meetings to walk through those tools so that attendees walk away with the plan that is right for them and the information they need to enroll on Vermont Health Connect.
Small businesses in Vermont and individuals who purchase their health care coverage directly will be required to purchase their coverage through Vermont Health Connect, effective January 1, 2014. The enrollment period for plans that will be offered through Vermont Health Connect begins on October 1; BCBSVT is offering 10 plans through the new exchange.
‘Since last year, BCBSVT has been out in force meeting with tens of thousands of Vermonters at over 200 events statewide,’ said Don George, CEO. ‘This enrollment series is among the most important work we will do to support Vermonters in their transition to Vermont Health Connect. Our team will offer one-on-one assistance to match Vermonters to the plan that best fits their unique needs and provide information to empower them to enroll on Vermont Health Connect with confidence.’
The enrollment support meetings will be held in the early morning or late afternoons so that individuals and small businesses can attend before or after work. Space is limited so folks are encouraged to register online for the time that’s most convenient for them. Individual meetings will be scheduled to last fifteen minutes. In addition to private, one-on-one meetings with our exchange specialists, experts from BCBSVT will be on hand to answer general exchange and product related questions. Anyone with questions about coverage is invited.
‘With so many changes in health care this year, we are committed to doing what we can get to see Vermonters through.’ George noted. ‘I sincerely hope that Vermonters will log on and register to attend these important meetings.’
The new tools and resources on BCBSVT’s redesigned website, www.bcbsvt.com, were developed based on feedback from members, employees, employers, and other Vermonters shopping for health insurance.
Foremost among the information and tools on the site are two ‘pre-shopping programs; Plan Finder and Plan Match. The Plan Finder allows users to enter information about themselves and their families and choose which exchange plans best suit their needs. Users can compare plans’ deductibles, premiums and co-payments, along with information on whether they may qualify for tax subsidies.
The Plan Match allows existing BCBSVT members, who are eligible for the exchange, to enter their member number and view the exchange plan that best matches their current coverage.
The enrollment support meetings are the latest in the company’s continued commitment to supporting Vermonters as they begin to purchase health coverage on Vermont Health Connect. Since last year, BCBSVT has engaged more than 50,000 Vermonters through small business meetings, webinars, community events and more.
For more information about the resources available from BCBSVT, visit us on the web at www.bcbsvt.com or call our exchange phone line at 800-255-4550. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the BCBSVT Information and Wellness Center at the Blue Mall in South Burlington.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, providing coverage for about 190,000 Vermonters. It employs about 390 Vermonters at its headquarters in Berlin, a branch office in South Burlington and its Information and Wellness Center in South Burlington’s Blue Mall, and offers group and individual health plans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
Enrollment Support Meeting Schedule
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is hosting enrollment support meetings all across Vermont where individuals and small business owners can meet one-on-one with our exchange specialists and receive support using our web tools to find the plan that best suits their unique needs on Vermont Health Connect. Please join us at these important meetings.
Meeting Date
Time
Location
Town
10/3/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
BCBSVT Health and Wellness Center
S. Burlington
10/14/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Gifford Medical Center
Randolph
10/16/2013
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
BCBSVT Health and Wellness Center
S. Burlington
10/22/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
St. Albans
10/23/2013
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
BCBSVT Health and Wellness Center
S. Burlington
10/23/2013
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Hunt Middle School
Burlington
10/25/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Shelburne Museum
Shelburne
10/29/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
White River
10/30/2013
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
BCBSVT Health and Wellness Center
S. Burlington
10/30/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Hartness House
Springfield
10/31/2013
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Town Hall
South Hero
11/4/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Stone Grill Restaurant
Morrisville
11/5/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Gateway Center
Newport
11/6/2013
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
BCBSVT Health and Wellness Center
S. Burlington
11/6/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Comfort Inn
St. Johnsbury
11/12/2013
7:30 a.m.- 11:30 am
Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center
Brattleboro
11/12/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Mt. Anthony Country Club
Bennington
11/13/2013
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
BCBSVT Health and Wellness Center
S. Burlington
11/14/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Holiday Inn
Rutland
11/20/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
BCBSVT Berlin
Berlin
11/20/2013
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
BCBSVT Health and Wellness Center
S. Burlington
11/21/2013
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The Equinox Resort
Manchester