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Health insurance opened and extended to Vermonters affected by floods

Hit return for health coverage.
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The Department of Vermont Health Access has opened enrollment and extended access to health care services through August for those impacted by flooding.

The Department of Vermont Health Access announced Thursday a health insurance extension for those affected by July’s flooding.

Vermont Health Connect typically has an “annual open enrollment period,” according to a press release from the DVHA, but there is now a special enrollment period for any Vermonter in need of coverage. Anyone seeking Medicaid can enroll at any time of the year.

The DVHA also announced an extension for Vermonters with Medicaid coverage that expired at the end of July. Anyone who did not respond to their renewal notice will automatically be renewed through August. Those who did respond to their notices can request coverage through August as well.

Commissioner Andrea De La Bruere said health insurance is critical in a time of natural disaster.

"Health and well being are foundational to our resilience and health care services can help support people as they recover from the challenges and trauma of natural disasters and, you know, just going about their daily lives,” she said.

This extension is in hopes to support those affected by the flooding and ensure that people do not go without healthcare during these stressful times, said De La Bruere.

For those looking to enroll in health insurance programs, you can visit Vermont Health Connect or call 855-899-9600.

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Corrected: August 4, 2023 at 2:30 PM EDT
This post has been updated to correct the window when someone can enroll in Medicaid coverage. A person seeking Medicaid can enroll at any time.
Corrected: August 4, 2023 at 2:30 PM EDT
This post has been updated to specify that the state announced an extension for people whose Medicaid coverage, not any health insurance coverage, was due to expire at the end of July.
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