2025 Open Enrollment: Moving to a Gold Plan

What's Happening

Changes are coming for some health plans available through Vermont Health Connect (VHC), the state’s health insurance marketplace. Certain Silver plan premiums will go up substantially more than the other “metal levels”, such as Bronze and Gold plans. 

On the VHC marketplace, Vermont has employed a tactic called “Silver loading” to help Vermonters save money. Since the federal government’s premium tax credits are based on the cost of Silver plans’ premium, "Silver loading" increases the premium amount for Silver plans to allow Vermonters to receive more tax credits and lower their monthly premium cost. 

By enrolling in a Gold plan for 2025, you’ll have a lower monthly premium than a Silver plan, and your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copays, could also be lower.

If you receive financial help with your health plan today, you can still use this assistance for a Gold plan if you sign up through Vermont Health Connect.

Actions To Take After Receiving Your Health Plan Renewal Notice

To help with the upcoming changes, we are automatically moving some members enrolled in a Silver plan today to a Gold plan for 2025. If your monthly premium and plan benefits are lower for a 2025 Gold plan, you will be automatically moved to the applicable plan. You will receive a letter in late October if this applies to you.

How you can prepare for 2025 Open Enrollment:

• Beginning November 1, 2024, update your account with Vermont Health Connect to confirm your household income and size is up-to-date. This will help you know your estimated financial help for 2025. To review and make changes, visit VermontHealthConnect.gov or call them at (855) 899-9600.
• We recommend you look at all available options to shop and compare benefits, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs. You don't have to move to a Gold plan and can make changes starting November 1, 2024 through the end of Open Enrollment. However, you may find that moving to a Gold plan for 2025 will provide more value for you and your family! 
• Open Enrollment ends January 15, 2025 – you must enroll by this time with Vermont Health Connect to take advantage of available financial help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my financial help If I’m enrolled in a Gold plan?
No, you are still eligible to have financial help (subsidies) through VHC if enrolled in a Gold plan.

I’m currently enrolled in an Enhanced Silver plan (cost-sharing reductions), how does this impact me if I move to a Gold plan?
Cost-sharing reductions (CSR) help lower the out-of-pocket costs on Silver plans, and VHC determines if you are eligible for a CSR. However, Gold plans will have have a lower monthly premium. As situations may vary, we encourage you to shop and select the plan that works best for you this Open Enrollment.  

If I am automatically enrolled into a different plan, can I still change?
Yes, you will still have the opportunity to change plans during Open Enrollment.

When does Open Enrollment start and end?
If enrolling through Vermont Health Connect, Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2024 and ends January 15, 2025.

Enrollment or plan changes made between November 1, 2024 through December 15, 2024 are for a January 1, 2025 start date. Any enrollment or plan changes made December 16, 2024 through January 15, 2025 will start February 1, 2025.