VERMONT HEALTH CONNECT (VHC) is LIVE!!!

Statement from Mark Larson, Commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access

“I am pleased to report that Vermont Health Connect officially went live at 9 a.m. today, launching an insurance marketplace to bring better health coverage to more Vermonters. We have known all along that there will be bumps along the way, but we are working to identify any issues and resolve them quickly. As with many of the states that are launching marketplaces, we are experiencing high traffic and some access issues, but we are continuously improving our system to ensure Vermonters have a seamless experience finding a health plan. We are committed to providing Vermont’s small businesses and families with the information they need to make their health coverage decisions.

Vermonters can use the Vermont Health Connect system to compare their health plan options side-by-side by viewing the monthly health insurance premiums, co-pays, co-insurance and subsidies. Currently, information about deductibles and out-of-pocket limits is not included on the plan comparison webpage, but is available in the full plan descriptions on the website, in a separate comparison chart and can be accessed through the call center. This issue will be resolved shortly and the information will be added to the comparison page on the website soon. I am proud of our staff for their hard work to date, and I am confident that commitment will continue as Vermonters access the marketplace to make smart health coverage decisions over the course of the six month open-enrollment period.

Today marks a crucial first step in Vermont’s move to provide quality coverage, help small businesses and Vermonters afford insurance, and control the staggering increases in health care costs. Under the new program, Vermonters who do not have insurance through a job and Vermont’s small businesses and their employees, will use Vermont Health Connect to learn more about health plan options, find out if they are eligible for free or reduced-cost health coverage, and pick the best plan for themselves and their families. Today kicks-off the six month open enrollment period when Vermonters will be enrolling in new health plans. Many Vermonters will use the next couple of months to learn about and compare the new benefits available through the insurance marketplace. For Vermonters who want their plan to begin on January 1, they will have until December to pick the plan that best meets their 2014 needs.”