Sign-up for health insurance through Vermont Health Connect begins Nov. 1. What you need to know.

Open enrollment for Vermont's state health insurance market is scheduled to begin Nov. 1, the Department of Vermont Health Access has announced. 

During open enrollment, new customers can enroll in Vermont Health Connect for health and dental insurance and existing customers can make changes to their coverage. Open enrollment will last until Dec. 15, and coverage would begin Jan. 1, 2021, the department said.

“With the continued uncertainty of the COVID-19 public health emergency, enrolling in health insurance is as important as ever,” said Department of Vermont Health Access Commissioner Cory Gustafson.

Can I get help paying for the insurance? 

Most Vermonters enrolling in health insurance plans through the state's marketplace qualify for financial help, the department said. 

Customers can compare plans and find out if they qualify for financial help by visiting the Vermont Health Connect portal (portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov) and clicking on "Plan Comparison Tool." 

Vermont Health Connect customers can also call the Customer Support Center at 1-855-899-9600, the department said.

What if I don't want to change my state-provided health insurance? 

Vermont Health Connect customers who want to remain in the same health insurance plan will be automatically renewed into the 2021 version of their current health insurance plan.

Existing customers can just continue to pay their bills on time as the renewal process is completed for them, the department said.

Where can I get more information?

The department will be holding a number of virtual information events throughout the open enrollment period. The events will be held through Microsoft Teams. 

Sessions will be held Nov. 2, Nov. 4, Nov. 10, Nov. 14, Nov. 17, Nov. 19, Dec. 2, Dec. 5, Dec. 7, and Dec. 10. For links and session times, visit info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/news.

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 802-651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LizMurrayBFP.