Vermont Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Vermont is run by the Department of Vermont Health Access. Vermont adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through Dr. Dynasaur, and the application is at portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action or 855-899-9600. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care) |
|---|---|
| Children | Dr. Dynasaur |
| Agency | Department of Vermont Health Access |
| Apply | portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action · 855-899-9600 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | federal deadline January 1, 2027 |
Who qualifies in Vermont
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (Dr. Dynasaur), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Vermont sets above the federal minimums.
How Vermont compares
Vermont expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 1, 2027. Vermont uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Vermont Medicaid
- Apply online at portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action, or call 855-899-9600. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Vermont. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Vermont Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Vermont carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Vermont SNAP.
What changes in Vermont
Vermont has not announced a start date for the federal work requirement, so it takes effect on the federal deadline, January 1, 2027. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
Vermont specifics
- Dr. Dynasaur covers children under 19 and pregnant people; Vermont runs Medicaid under a single Global Commitment waiver rather than through managed care companies.
- Offices serve Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Vermont Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Vermont's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Vermont for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through Dr. Dynasaur.
Does Vermont have a Medicaid work requirement?
From January 1, 2027, the federal deadline; Vermont has not set an earlier date. It applies to expansion adults 19 to 64 at 80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub.
Sources
- Vermont Medicaid: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
Gov-Grants.org is an independent guide, not a carrier and not a government agency. We never charge fees, and every fact above links to its source with the date we checked it. Program details change; confirm on the official site before applying.