Vermont Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Vermont

Vermont operates Vermont Health Connect, a state-based marketplace. Vermont expanded Medicaid and has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the nation. Vermont was the first state to attempt to create a single-payer health system (Green Mountain Care, 2011) but ultimately abandoned the plan due to financing challenges. Vermont's small population and limited insurer competition result in some of the highest marketplace premiums in the nation.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Vermont

Marketplace Enrollment in Vermont

Vermont residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through Vermont Health Connect (State-Based). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (Vermont Health Connect).

Average Premiums by City in Vermont

Medicaid in Vermont

Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care) covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Vermont has expanded coverage significantly.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Vermont

Dr. Dynasaur covers children and pregnant women up to 312% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Vermont Unique

Vermont's attempt to create a single-payer healthcare system — Green Mountain Care — was the most ambitious state healthcare reform effort in U.S. history before it was abandoned in 2014 due to the high tax increases needed to finance it. Vermont's experience with single-payer planning has informed national healthcare policy discussions.

ACA Subsidies: What Vermont Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Vermont’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

Vermont residents enroll through Vermont Health Connect. Full-price premiums rose about 6.7% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 2 insurers sold plans for 2026. Proposed 2027 changes average about 3% before subsidies.

About 30,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 77% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $364 a month.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in Vermont

Vermont adds state premium subsidies up to 300% FPL and extra cost-sharing help to 300% FPL. Like New York, Vermont doesn’t allow age rating, so premiums don’t rise with age. Vermont has an individual mandate but no financial penalty for going uninsured.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Vermont

Vermont's high premiums make ACA subsidy optimization particularly important. Vermont Health Connect provides enrollment assistance. Medicaid covers low-income adults. Vermont's small insurer market means few plan options — comparing available plans carefully is essential. Dr. Dynasaur provides comprehensive coverage for children.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (Vermont Health Connect)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many insurers sell marketplace plans in Vermont?

Two insurers sold Vermont marketplace plans for 2026, with proposed 2027 changes averaging about 3% before subsidies.

How much do Vermont marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 77% of Vermont enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $364 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official Vermont Health Connect (State-Based) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.