Office of the Health Care Advocate

02/03/2026

More Vermonters can now get help paying for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Income limits for Medicare Savings Programs have increased in 2026, so more people will now qualify.

Apply today to see if you can get help with your insurance costs!

Get free help from the Office of the Health Care Advocate: 1-800-917-7787
Learn more: https://vtlawhelp.org/medicare-savings-buy-programs

12/11/2025

Don’t miss the deadline to make changes to your 2026 Vermont Health Connect health insurance coverage. Take action by December 15 to make changes to your January 2026 coverage.

Health insurance changes made between December 16–January 15 will start February 1.

Reach out to Vermont Health Connect to explore your options or update your plan for 2026. If you need help, the Office of the Health Care Advocate is a free resource for all Vermonters. Call our helpline at 1-800-917-7787 or visit vtlawhelp.org/health.

Sign up or change your plan by 12/15 for health coverage starting 1/1/26. Our Customer Support Center is extending its hours today & this weekend. Call 855-899-9600. Or do it on-line at www.VermontHealthConnect.gov.

11/03/2025

Health insurance season is here! The Vermont Health Connect Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1 through January 15.

This is the time for Vermonters who buy their own health insurance to compare plans, update income information, and choose a new plan for 2026. Don’t miss your chance to make sure your coverage fits your health care and financial needs for the year ahead.

Learn more about what’s new for 2026: vtlawhelp.org/vhc-open-enrollment-2026

10/31/2025

Most Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare “Part C”) in Vermont are ending on December 31, 2025. Learn more about your options, and take action by important deadlines.

October 30, 2025

10/28/2025

Important Update for Vermonters with Medicare Advantage (Part C):
Most Medicare Advantage Plans in Vermont will end on December 31, 2025.

If you’re currently enrolled, it’s important to explore your health insurance options for 2026. The Office of the Health Care Advocate offers free, confidential help to answer your questions and guide you through your choices.

Don’t wait—learn more about your options:
vtlawhelp.org/2026-medicare-advantage-plans

07/21/2025

We know this moment feels heavy. If you're a parent or caregiver of an LGBTQ+ young person, you're likely sorting through a lot - questions, headlines, and what it all means.

The National is Personal is a free virtual info session to help you make sense of what’s happening with health care access right now.

We’ll be joined by folks from the ACLU-Vermont, UVM Medical Center’s Trans Youth Program, Vermont Legal Aid, and our own team here at Outright.

🌟 Monday, August 11 | 5:00–6:30 PM
🌟 Online (plus in-person watch parties across Vermont!)
🌟 Register by Sunday, August (docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-S_vYIvh3IbWTOrdtksFG3XTS4jpRhf9NNDfANn4QVd4CPQ/viewform)

Let’s talk about what’s real, what’s at stake, and how we can show up for LGBTQ+ youth, together.

06/12/2025

Health insurance premiums are likely to increase drastically in January for many Vermonters and small businesses who buy their coverage through Vermont Health Connect.

BCBSVT asked to raise their premium prices an average of 23.3% for individuals and 13.7% for small businesses. MVP asked to raise their premium prices an average of 6.2% for individuals and 7.5% for small businesses.

Tell the Green Mountain Care Board how high health care costs will limit your ability to live, work, and get care in Vermont. Submit a public comment now through July 28th.

Online: bit.ly/2026RateComment
Email: [email protected]
Call: (802) 828-2177

05/23/2025

Vermont has new rules for hospital Patient Financial Assistance (PFA). More Vermonters will now qualify for help. If you need help with hospital bills follow the link to learn what has changed and how this could help you!

Learn more: vtlawhelp.org/patient-financial-assistance-july-2024

05/19/2025

The Vermont Agency of Human Services is exploring a new patient
engagement platform to help you access health records, connect with providers, and
take charge of your care. Please take 5-minutes to complete this confidential survey to help the state understand what Vermonters need when it comes to managing their health.

📌Take the survey here:
https://healthmanagement.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9t66lTgrGU5mlDg

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping build a health care system that works better for everyone! 💙💙

01/03/2025

Vermonters: don't miss your chance to sign up or change your health insurance plan with Vermont Health Connect for 2025. The deadline is January 15th. Take a moment to review your options and make sure you're enrolled in coverage that fits your health care and financial needs.

Free and confidential help is available through the Office of the Health Care Advocate.

Helpline: 1-800-917-7787
Learn More: vtlawhelp.org/vhc-open-enrollment-2025

12/23/2024

Vermont Legal Aid and the Office of the Health Care Advocate will close at 2 PM on December 24. We will also be closed on December 25 and January 1.

If you have a legal problem, you can find information at vtlawhelp.org/health or call us at 1-800-917-7787 and leave a message. Our best wishes to you for the upcoming new year!

11/26/2024

The Office of the Health Care Advocate will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday at 2 PM on Wednesday, November 27th. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd.

Get more information at vtlawhelp.org/health and submit an online request for help from our Advocacy Team.

Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont are closed on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th for Thanksgiving. If you have a legal problem, you can find information at vtlawhelp.org or call us at 1-800-889-2047 and leave a message.