Stay informed, stay covered

Vermont's open enrollment period begins through Vermont Health Connect

Vermont News & Media

WATERBURY - Open Enrollment for Vermont's health insurance marketplace began on Nov. 1. During Open Enrollment, Vermonters can sign up for or change their qualified health and dental plans for 2026. Coverage starts Jan. 1, 2026, for those who sign up on or before Dec. 15. Open Enrollment ends Jan. 15, 2026.

"This year, it's more important than ever for Vermonters to stay informed and stay covered. Now is the time to sign up for health coverage for 2026," said Dr. DaShawn Groves, Commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access, which operates Vermont's health insurance marketplace. "While there is some uncertainty around the future of enhanced federal premium financial assistance, Vermonters should take the time to review their options and make sure they and their family can remain covered. DVHA is ready to help you during this time, and we will communicate any federal changes to our members."

Enhanced premium subsidies from the federal government are set to expire at the end of 2025. These subsidies have helped reduce out-of-pocket costs for Vermonters purchasing health insurance through Vermont Health Connect. DVHA is aware that these subsidies continue to be part of the conversation related to the ongoing federal shutdown. In the event that these subsidies are extended, DVHA will immediately communicate with our members and update Vermont Health Connect to ensure that all Vermonters are paying the lowest possible premiums.

State officials note that there are still cost saving options available through the marketplace, even if the federal enhanced subsidies do expire. Many Vermonters enrolled through Vermont Health Connect will continue to qualify for financial assistance. For plan year 2026, an eligible individual who earns $40,000 a year could get the lowest-cost Gold plan for $77 a month - a savings of $1,058 each month. A family of four with a household income of $85,000 could get a Gold plan for $204 a month - a monthly savings of $2,067, or more than $20,000 per year.

It's best to sign up by Dec. 15 to ensure coverage throughout all of 2026. Coverage will begin on Feb. 1, 2026, for people who enroll between Dec. 16, 2025, and Jan. 15, 2026, the final day of the open enrollment period. 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 2026 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 Halls on Nov. 18, and Dec. 3. All Town Halls begin at 12:15 p.m. on their scheduled day.

Visit www.VermontHealth-Connect.gov, call the Customer Support Center at 1-855-8999600, or contact an in-person Assister near you for more information about Open Enrollment.