Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions and answers about Green Mountain Care programs. If you do not see an answer to your question, call us at 1-800-250-8427.

1. What is Green Mountain Care?
Green Mountain Care is a family of low-cost and free health coverage programs for uninsured Vermonters. Offered by the state of Vermont and its partners, Green Mountain Care programs provide quality, comprehensive health coverage.  Plan eligibility and cost is based on household income and family size. There may be a program for you no matter how much you earn.

2. How much does Green Mountain Care cost?
It depends on which health coverage plan you qualify for. Green Mountain Care programs include deductibles, premiums and co-payments. Some programs also offer premium assistance.   Family size and income affects how much the health coverage plan will cost.

3. What health services are covered?
Green Mountain Care programs cover comprehensive health services such as doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency care, checkups, screenings, prescription medication, immunizations and more. Depending on which program you are eligible for, the services covered may vary.

4. Is there anything available for uninsured children?
Dr. Dynasaur is a health insurance program designed for children, teenagers and pregnant women and covers important health services including immunizations, checkups, dental care and skin care.

5. How long does the application process take?
It usually takes 30 days to enroll in a program.  However applying for some programs is a multi-step process so enrollment can take longer.  You can apply up to 60 days prior to needing coverage to begin.

6. Is there anything available for young adults who don’t have children?
You may qualify for one of the Green Mountain Care programs depending on your past and current insurance status and how much you earn. Call 1-800-250-8427 or use the Screening Tool to find out if you're eligible.

7. Do I have to be a resident of Vermont to apply for a Green Mountain Care program and who is considered a resident?
Yes, you do have to be a Vermont resident, defined as an individual who lives in Vermont with the intent to remain in the state for an indefinite period of time or permanently.

8. I am a student. Is there anything available for me?
Student criteria are complex.  You can find out if you qualify by sending in a completed application.  To determine which application is right for you, go through the Screening Tool or call 1-800-250-8427 to learn more.

9. My children are insured, but I am not. Is there anything available to me through Green Mountain Care?
Yes. Green Mountain Care includes several health coverage programs for adults depending on your insurance status and how much you earn. Call 1-800-250-8427 or use the Screening Tool to find out if you're eligible.

10. Can I qualify for Green Mountain Care if I am enrolled in Medicare?
Yes, depending upon your income, you can apply for Medicaid, VPharm or Healthy Vermonters.

11. What if I only need help paying for my prescription medicines?
Vermont has several Prescription Assistance Programs to help Vermonters pay for prescription medicines based on their income, disability status and age. These programs include VScript, VHAP-Pharmacy, VPharm and Healthy Vermonters. Complete a Pharmacy Programs Application from the Applications Forms page.

12. If I have access to my employer’s insurance but it’s too expensive, is there anything I can apply for?
It depends on your income. Generally, you can apply for health coverage through Green Mountain Care if you meet the income guidelines, have access to your employer’s plan but are not enrolled, and you have been uninsured for 12 months or more - although there are exceptions to these rules.  You may even get assistance to pay for your employer's premiums, depending on the benefits of your employer’s plan and other factors.

13. Can I choose the doctor I want to go to?
Most doctors in Vermont participate in the plans offered through Green Mountain Care and you can choose which doctor to go to within the plan’s network. In the Catamount Health plans, you can also go to doctors not in the network but you may have higher out-of-pocket costs.

14. Will I get an insurance card if I enroll in Green Mountain Care?
Yes. All Green Mountain Care Programs have insurance cards.  However if you qualify for Catamount, you will receive your insurance card directly from the carrier you choose for your Catamount Plan. You will want to keep this with you at all times and will need to present it when accessing health services.

16. Where can I find more information about Green Mountain Care?
Information about Green Mountain Care programs can be found in the sections below and in the Green Mountain Care Programs section of this Web site. You can also call 1-800-250-8427.

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