Vermont Flood Victims Offered Special Health Insurance Enrollment
Vermonters who have been affected by the recent catastrophic flooding and do not have health insurance now have the opportunity to sign up for a qualified plan through Vermont Health Connect. The Vermont Department of Health Access (DVHA) has announced a special enrollment period for flood victims to ensure they have access to essential healthcare services.
Vermont Health Connect serves as the state’s health insurance marketplace, offering a range of plans to meet individual needs. According to the DVHA, more than 90% of individuals enrolled through the marketplace are eligible for financial assistance, with 25% paying less than $25 per month for their health plans.
Typically, signing up for a qualified health plan on Vermont Health Connect is limited to an annual open enrollment period. However, in light of the recent flooding, the DVHA is allowing flood victims to sign up at any time. Any Vermonter affected by the flooding can notify the department and immediately enroll in a health plan.
Andrea De La Bruere, the commissioner of the DVHA, emphasized the importance of helping those impacted by this natural disaster and ensuring they do not experience gaps in their health coverage. Having health insurance enables individuals to access necessary healthcare services and protects them from unexpected medical bills.
Additionally, Vermonters affected by the flooding who failed to renew their Medicaid coverage in July will have their coverage automatically extended into August. This extension provides them with a new deadline to renew their coverage. If individuals respond by the deadline and are eligible for Medicaid, their coverage will be renewed for a full year.
For Vermonters who lost their Medicaid coverage in July due to the flooding, they can contact the DVHA at 855-899-9600 to request an additional month of Medicaid coverage. Alternatively, they can purchase health plans on Vermont Health Connect at any time as a replacement for their lost Medicaid coverage.
Adaline Strumolo, the deputy commissioner of the DVHA, emphasized the importance of Vermonters receiving routine medical care and treatment for emergent health issues as they recover from the state of emergency caused by the flooding.
The special enrollment period for health plans and the extension of Medicaid coverage aim to provide Vermonters affected by the flooding with crucial healthcare benefits. Access to healthcare services during this challenging time is vital, ensuring that individuals can address their healthcare needs promptly and without financial burdens.
In conclusion, if you are a Vermonter who has been impacted by the recent catastrophic flooding and do not have health insurance, take advantage of the special enrollment period on Vermont Health Connect. The DVHA is committed to helping you maintain continuous health coverage and access the care you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out and secure the necessary health insurance protection today.
