CheapestHealth InsuranceVermontCheapest Vermont Health Insurance Plans (2023)
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The baseline plan type in Vermont is an HMO, and Silver plans are the most popular. You can also get plans belonging to other metal tiers with various deductibles, premiums and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs. Mountain Health CO-OP has the cheapest Silver, Gold and Bronze tier plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield has the most affordable Bronze and Platinum tier plans, as well as EPO plan types.
If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in Vermont.
CheapestHealth InsuranceVermontMost Affordable Health Insurance in Vermont
Cheapest Silver Plan - Mountain Health CO-OP
Cheapest Gold Plan - Mountain Health CO-OP
Cheapest Bronze Plan - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cheapest Catastrophic Plan - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cheapest Platinum Plan - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cheapest Health Insurance in Vermont by Metal Tier
The MVP VT Silver 3 from Mountain Health CO-OP provides the cheapest Silver plan for the average Vermonter, costing $837 monthly.
The price of health insurance varies by metal tier. A more expensive plan typically provides more comprehensive coverage. By metal tier, the following are the cheapest health insurance plans in Vermont:
- Catastrophic: MVP Secure ($259 per month for a 26-year-old)
- Catastrophic: BCBSVT Catastrophic Plan ($259 per month for a 26-year-old)
- Bronze: BCBSVT Bronze Plan ($641 per month)
- Bronze: MVP VT Plus Bronze 5 ($641 per month)
- Silver: MVP VT Silver 3 ($837 per month)
- Gold: MVP VT Gold 1 ($876 per month)
- Platinum: BCBSVT Platinum Plan ($1,135 per month)
Plans with lower premiums cover only the most basic health care expenses, and you pay more out-of-pocket costs. On the other hand, plans belonging to the higher metal tiers (such as Gold and Platinum) offer more benefits and lower out-of-pocket maximums but cost more monthly.
WHAT ARE METAL TIERS?
Metal tiers are groups of plans available on the health insurance exchange. Plans belonging to valuable metal tiers (for example, Gold is more valuable than Silver and Bronze) typically have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs.
If you are young and in good health, you could choose plans belonging to lower metal tiers. Higher metal tier plans make sense if you can afford them or expect higher medical bills. If you're on a tight budget, a Silver plan might be an ideal solution; it doesn't cost much and allows you to reduce your deductible.
Cheapest Silver Plans in Vermont
Mountain Health CO-OP offers Vermont's cheapest Silver plan. The monthly cost of its MVP VT Silver 3 is around $837. The three most affordable Silver plans in Vermont are:
- MVP VT Silver 3 from Mountain Health CO-OP: $837 per month
- MVP VT Plus Silver 1 from Mountain Health CO-OP: $841per month
- MVP VT HDHP Silver 4 from Mountain Health CO-OP: $848 per month
The Silver plans are the most popular since they provide better coverage than Bronze plans while maintaining a low deductible. Cost-sharing reductions (if eligible) are exclusive to Silver plans and might further reduce your monthly cost.
MoneyGeek's recommendations in this section are all HMO plans because they are the most accessible to residents of Vermont.
Cheapest Gold Plans in Vermont
MVP VT Gold 1 from Mountain Health CO-OP is Vermont’s most affordable Gold plan, costing about $876 per month. The three most affordable Gold plans are:
- MVP VT Gold 1 from Mountain Health CO-OP: $876 per month
- BCBSVT Vermont Preferred Gold Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $894 per month
- BCBSVT Vermont Select Gold CDHP Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $913 per month
In general, Gold plans have lower deductibles than cheaper plans, so you pay less for health care services before the plan begins to pay. However, unlike Silver plans, Gold plans do not offer cost-sharing reductions.
Cheapest Bronze Plans in Vermont
BCBSVT Bronze Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield and MVP VT Plus Bronze 5 from Mountain Health CO-OP cost roughly $641 monthly and are the cheapest Bronze plans in Vermont. Other budget-friendly alternatives are:
- BCBSVT Bronze Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $641 per month
- MVP VT Plus Bronze 5 from Mountain Health CO-OP: $641 per month
- BCBSVT Vermont Select Bronze CDHP Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $645 per month
Bronze plans feature the highest deductibles but the cheapest monthly premiums, so you'll have to pay more out of pocket for services.
Cheapest Catastrophic Plans in Vermont
There are only two Catastrophic plans available in Vermont. BCBSVT Catastrophic Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield and MVP Secure from Mountain Health CO-OP both cost an average of $259 per month for a 26-year-old consumer.
Although you will be paying lower monthly premiums for Catastrophic plans, expect very high deductibles. Catastrophic plans are available to people under 30.
Cheapest Platinum Plans in Vermont
The BCBSVT Platinum Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield and Mountain Health CO-OP’s BMP VT Platinum 1 both cost around $1,135 a month, tying for the cheapest Platinum tier plan in Vermont.
- BCBSVT Platinum Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $1,135 per month
- MVP VT Platinum 1 from Mountain Health CO-OP: $1,135
Platinum plans have the most expensive monthly premiums but the lowest deductibles. With this plan, you will incur fewer out-of-pocket expenses, and your insurance company will begin paying quickly.
WHAT IS A COST-SHARING REDUCTION?
People eligible for premium tax credits may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which are available through Silver health insurance plans. Premiums are not affected by CSRs. However, they reduce the financial burden of post-treatment health care costs for individuals. CSRs may bring your plan's out-of-pocket expenses down to more reasonable levels. With CSR, your health insurance company covers a greater percentage of your medical costs, reducing your deductible, copayments and out-of-pocket maximum.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Vermont by Plan Type
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the most prevalent in Vermont. However, Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans may also be available.
MoneyGeek’s research finds that the most affordable health insurance in Vermont for an EPO plan type is:
- BCBSVT Vermont Select Silver CDHP Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($837 per month)
EPO plans allow you to see specialists without a referral but restrict you from seeing doctors outside your insurance company’s network unless it is for an emergency. These plans tend to start at a higher monthly premium.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAN TYPES?
When looking for health insurance in Vermont, you'll come across HMO (the most common) and EPO plan options.
- HMO: The least flexible, but generally the cheapest plans, are HMOs. Policyholders must seek treatment from providers within their network except for medical emergencies. You'll also need a primary care physician to refer you to specialists.
- EPO: Similar to HMO plans, EPO plans only cover health care services obtained from in-network providers. However, EPOs often have access to a broader range of doctors and specialists and may waive referral requirements. You are still restricted to in-network providers unless an emergency occurs.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Vermont by County
Some plan types may not be accessible in your area since not all plans are available everywhere in Vermont. The cheapest plan in one county may be more expensive in another. Be aware that rates will vary even within the same state.
You can utilize the following table to explore Silver plan options in your county in Vermont.
Health Insurance Costs in Vermont by Age and Metal Tier
The cost of health insurance changes significantly by metal tier. The following premiums reflect how metal tier affects the typical rates for a 40-year-old in Vermont:
- Catastrophic: $259 per month (for a 26-year-old)
- Bronze: $653 per month
- Silver: $853 per month
- Gold: $913 per month
- Platinum: $1,135 per month
Plans belonging to higher metal tiers tend to be more expensive, but they come with benefits like lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum.
As a policyholder grows older, costs also tend to rise. In Vermont, a Silver plan costs an average of $856 for teens and $853 for seniors.
What to Know About Vermont Health Insurance
MoneyGeek used relevant market data to find which private health insurance plans provide the best value. Individuals can view plans during the open enrollment period and select the coverage suiting their needs.
Vermonters can also see if they qualify for government-sponsored health insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid is for people with low income, while Medicare is for seniors or people with disabilities.
Private Health Insurance in the Vermont Marketplace
The private insurance open enrollment period typically runs from November 1 to January 15. Buyers have this time to purchase health insurance on the exchange.
Note that the enrollment deadline for coverage that begins on January 1 is December 15. Early enrollment gives you more time to adjust your plan before the period ends.
WHAT IF YOU MISS OPEN ENROLLMENT?
Private health insurance is available to qualifying residents outside the annual open enrollment period, called a special enrollment period. The eligibility requirements for special enrollment include marriage, childbirth, relocation, loss of income or other significant life events. Health insurance applications and changes are typically accepted up to 60 days before or after the event.
Medicaid in Vermont
Medicaid is a federal program that offers low-cost or free medical care to those who qualify based on their income. Several factors beyond income can determine Medicaid eligibility in Vermont. Children of low-income parents or guardians, pregnant women and people with disabilities may also be eligible.
Medicare in Vermont
Another government-sponsored program, Medicare, is much cheaper than marketplace insurance. Residents of Vermont who are 65 or older or have a qualifying sickness or disability are eligible.
Part A, Part B and Part D constitute Medicare:
- Part A is comparable to hospital insurance in that it covers inpatient treatment, home care, hospice care and services received in any institution staffed by qualified nurses.
- Part B functions as medical insurance, covering the cost of doctors, preventive services and outpatient care.
- Part D covers prescription medications, immunizations and other vaccinations.
MoneyGeek also compiled lists of Vermont’s best Medicare Advantage plans and best Medicare Supplement plans.
Vermont Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
You might be curious about how much health insurance in Vermont would cost and what kind of plans are available. MoneyGeek has the answers to the following frequently asked questions.
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