Vermont provides health coverage to low-income residents through its Medicaid program, known as Green Mountain Care. The state also operates Dr. Dynasaur, a combined Medicaid and CHIP program that covers children and pregnant women at higher income levels than most states. Vermont was one of the earliest states to expand health coverage for its residents, and today approximately 152,000 Vermonters receive coverage through Medicaid and CHIP. If you live in Vermont and need affordable health insurance in 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, income limits, and how to apply.
Not sure which benefits you may qualify for? Check your eligibility with our free screener to see all the programs available to you, or visit our Vermont Benefits Overview for a complete look at state programs.
Who Qualifies for Vermont Medicaid in 2026?
Vermont Medicaid eligibility is based primarily on income, household size, and category. The state expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2014, though Vermont had already been covering most low-income residents through earlier programs since the mid-1990s. There is no asset test for most income-based Medicaid categories.
To qualify, you must meet these general requirements:
- Be a resident of Vermont
- Be a U.S. citizen or have qualifying immigration status
- Have a Social Security number (or have applied for one)
- Meet income limits for your category
Eligibility Categories
Adults ages 19 to 64: You may qualify for Green Mountain Care if your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This includes a built-in 5% income disregard.
Children under 19 (Dr. Dynasaur): Children in households with incomes up to 317% FPL qualify for coverage through the Dr. Dynasaur program. Families with incomes above 195% FPL but below 317% FPL may need to pay a small monthly premium.
Pregnant women: Pregnant Vermonters with household incomes up to 213% FPL qualify for Dr. Dynasaur coverage, which includes full dental benefits. Coverage continues for 12 months after the baby is born.
Aged, blind, or disabled adults: Vermonters age 65 and older, or those who are blind or disabled, may qualify for Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MABD). This category has both income and asset tests.
Working disabled: The Medicaid for the Working Disabled (MWD) program allows individuals who are blind or disabled and working at least a few hours each month to qualify with incomes up to 250% FPL.
Vermont Medicaid Income Limits for 2026
The income limits below are based on the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Vermont uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for most categories. The 2025 FPL is used for eligibility determinations through March 2026, after which the 2026 FPL applies.
Adults (Green Mountain Care) at 138% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,800 | $21,597 |
| 2 | $2,432 | $29,190 |
| 3 | $3,065 | $36,782 |
| 4 | $3,697 | $44,375 |
| 5 | $4,330 | $51,967 |
| 6 | $4,962 | $59,550 |
| 7 | $5,595 | $67,143 |
| 8 | $6,227 | $74,735 |
For each additional person, add approximately $633 per month.
Children Under 19 (Dr. Dynasaur) at 317% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,134 | $49,610 |
| 2 | $5,587 | $67,046 |
| 3 | $7,040 | $84,481 |
| 4 | $8,493 | $101,917 |
| 5 | $9,946 | $119,351 |
| 6 | $11,399 | $136,786 |
Pregnant Women at 213% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,778 | $33,335 |
| 2 | $3,754 | $45,049 |
| 3 | $4,730 | $56,765 |
| 4 | $5,707 | $68,480 |
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MABD)
The MABD program uses different income rules than the categories above:
- Outside Chittenden County: $1,375 per month
- Inside Chittenden County: $1,483 per month
The MABD program also has a resource (asset) limit. The state counts earned and unearned income differently. Roughly half of earned income (such as wages) is counted, while most unearned income (Social Security, pensions, Veterans benefits) is counted in full.
Even if your income is above these limits, you may still qualify through a "spend down" process. This allows you to subtract medical expenses from your countable income to bring it below the limit. Qualifying expenses include health insurance premiums, deductibles, copayments, uncovered medical services, over-the-counter medications, and outstanding medical bills.
Working Disabled (MWD)
If you are blind or disabled and working at least a few hours per month, you may qualify with income up to 250% FPL. The resource limit for MWD is $10,000 for an individual and $15,000 for a couple.
How to Apply for Vermont Medicaid in 2026
Vermont handles all health coverage applications through Vermont Health Connect, the state's health insurance marketplace. Here is how to apply step by step:
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before starting your application, collect the following for each household member:
- Social Security numbers
- Dates of birth
- Proof of Vermont residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
- Income information (pay stubs, tax returns, or self-employment records)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Information about any current health coverage
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
You can apply through any of these options:
- Online: Visit portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov to create an account and apply
- Phone: Call Vermont Health Connect at 1-855-899-9600 (Monday through Friday)
- In person: Visit a local Department for Children and Families (DCF) district office
- Paper application: Download an application from the Vermont Health Connect website and mail it in
Step 3: Complete the Application
The application asks about your household size, income, and other details. Be accurate with income reporting, as Vermont uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility. You do not need to report assets for most Medicaid categories (MABD and MWD are exceptions).
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Vermont may ask for proof of income, residency, or citizenship. You can upload documents online, fax them, or bring them to a DCF office. Respond to any requests for information promptly to avoid delays.
Step 5: Receive Your Determination
Vermont Health Connect will review your application and send you a notice of eligibility. If approved, your coverage can begin as early as the date of your application. Medicaid coverage in Vermont can also be applied retroactively for up to three months before your application date if you would have been eligible during that time.
What Does Vermont Medicaid Cover?
Green Mountain Care provides comprehensive health coverage, including:
- Doctor visits and hospital care: Primary care, specialist visits, emergency room visits, and inpatient hospital stays
- Prescription drugs: Coverage for most prescription medications
- Mental health services: Outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric care, and substance use disorder treatment
- Dental care: Preventive and restorative dental services for adults and children
- Vision care: Eye exams and corrective lenses
- Preventive care: Screenings, vaccinations, and wellness visits at no cost
- Maternity care: Prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care
- Long-term care: Nursing facility care and home and community-based services through the Choices for Care program
- Transportation: Non-emergency medical transportation to appointments
Dr. Dynasaur coverage for children includes all of the above plus additional pediatric services. Pregnant women on Dr. Dynasaur receive full dental coverage with no premiums or copays.
Dr. Dynasaur Premiums
While Medicaid coverage through Green Mountain Care has no premiums, some families using Dr. Dynasaur for children may pay a monthly premium based on household income:
- Families with incomes up to 195% FPL pay no premium
- Families with incomes between 195% and 317% FPL may pay a monthly premium
- There are no prescription copayments for Dr. Dynasaur
Coverage for Immigrants
Vermont offers the Immigrant Health Insurance Program (IHIP) for children and pregnant women who would qualify for Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur but cannot enroll due to immigration status. IHIP provides the same benefits as the standard programs. Contact Vermont Health Connect or a local navigator for more information.
Choices for Care (Long-Term Care Medicaid)
Vermont's long-term care Medicaid program, called Choices for Care, helps residents who need ongoing care due to aging, disability, or chronic illness. This program covers:
- Nursing home care
- Home and community-based services
- Enhanced residential care
Eligibility for Choices for Care requires both financial qualifications and a clinical assessment showing a nursing home level of care is needed. For a single applicant in 2026, the asset limit is $2,000, and the monthly income limit is $2,982.
Getting Help with Your Application
If you need assistance applying or have questions about your eligibility, several resources are available:
- Vermont Health Connect: Call 1-855-899-9600
- Office of the Health Care Advocate: Call 1-800-917-7787 for free help understanding your options and navigating the system
- DCF Benefits Service Center: Call 1-800-479-6151
- In-person navigators: Vermont has certified navigators and community organizations that can help you apply at no cost
You can also use our free benefits screener to quickly check your potential eligibility for Medicaid and other programs in Vermont.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Vermont Medicaid at any time?
Yes. Unlike private health insurance plans on the marketplace, Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur do not have an open enrollment period. You can apply at any time during the year.
How long does it take to get approved?
Vermont aims to process applications within 45 days for most categories. If you are applying based on disability, the process may take up to 90 days. You may receive retroactive coverage for up to three months before your application date.
What if my income changes during the year?
You must report changes in income, household size, or other circumstances to Vermont Health Connect within 30 days. If your income increases above the limit, you may transition to a subsidized marketplace plan through Vermont Health Connect.
Does Vermont Medicaid cover dental care?
Yes. Vermont Medicaid covers dental services for both adults and children. Pregnant women on Dr. Dynasaur receive full dental coverage.
Can I have other insurance and still get Medicaid?
Yes. If you have other health insurance, Medicaid can serve as secondary coverage and may help pay for costs your primary insurance does not cover, such as copays and deductibles.
What is the difference between Green Mountain Care and Dr. Dynasaur?
Green Mountain Care is the name for Vermont's adult Medicaid program. Dr. Dynasaur is the combined Medicaid and CHIP program for children under 19 and pregnant women. Dr. Dynasaur has higher income limits and includes additional benefits like full dental coverage for pregnant women.
What happens if I am denied?
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. The denial notice will include instructions on how to request a fair hearing. The Office of the Health Care Advocate (1-800-917-7787) can help you with the appeals process at no charge.
Is there an asset or resource test?
For most income-based Medicaid categories (adults, children, and pregnant women), there is no asset test. The MABD program for aged, blind, or disabled individuals does have resource limits. The MWD program has a resource limit of $10,000 for individuals and $15,000 for couples.
Next Steps
If you think you may qualify for Vermont Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur, the best place to start is by checking your eligibility. Use our free screener to see what benefits you qualify for in just a few minutes, or apply directly through Vermont Health Connect. For a broader look at all available programs in the state, visit our Vermont Benefits Overview.
