The Times Ink, November, 2010
By Christine Werneke
Born and raised in Vermont, I have a special appreciation for the small business person. My father left IBM over twenty years ago to start his own business and he is still going strong. This small business put food on our table and helped put me through college. And it is the small businesses that help make Richmond a great community in which to live and work.
Our town is brimming with hard-working Vermonters who make a living as sole proprietors and entrepreneurs, running small businesses. My family and I rely on these businesses every day for basic services, such as groceries and childcare, or for an occasional treat, like dinner out with my husband. From hardware stores to hairdressers, pediatricians to veterinarians, gift shops to shoe shops, these small businesses play a big role in our community.
What I admire most about these businesses is the strong spirit and character of the people who own and operate them. Their “get it done” attitude and willingness to take risks is what sets them apart.
It is these people that the Vermont state legislature had in mind several years ago when they embarked upon solutions for the roughly 10% of Vermonters without health insurance, many of whom were working. When it comes to health insurance, these business owners are at a disadvantage. Buying health insurance for one person, one family or a small business is much more costly than for a medium or large group.
The State of Vermont created Green Mountain Care, a family of health plans that provide options for all Vermonters regardless of income. Some plans are well-known, like the Dr. Dynasaur plan for children, and some are new like premium assistance for employer-sponsored insurance. The cost of Green Mountain Care plans vary depending upon household size and income. A sampling of what premiums can cost monthly is $33, $60, $124, $180 and $208.
You must be uninsured for 12 months or more to qualify, unless you have a qualifying event that causes you to lose insurance. There are many qualifying events such as loss of job (for any reason), reduction in hours, or you lost insurance due to death or divorce.
Despite these plans being introduced two years ago, approximately 8% of Vermonters still don’t have health insurance. In my job as Chief Marketing Officer for the State, I have worked to increase the awareness of Green Mountain Care with the goal of connecting uninsured Vermonters to health insurance options.
You enjoy easy and convenient access to just about whatever service you may need right here in our own community. You should also know how to access comprehensive and affordable health care coverage.
To determine if you are eligible, call 1(800) 250-8427 or visit www.GreenMountainCare.org. The website has a screening tool that can point you to the correct application. Based on your application, Green Mountain Care will determine the plan that is right for you.
If you have health insurance, help spread the word about the options available to Vermonters. Talk to your friends and neighbors and encourage them to learn more. Don’t just take my word for it. Hear from other Vermonters – and small business owners – who found health insurance through Green Mountain Care at www.GreenMountainCare.org.
Christine Werneke is the Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Vermont and lives in Richmond with her husband and two children.
