Vermont Medicaid is the state’s health coverage program for low-income residents. Vermont calls it Green Mountain Care, and it covers far more people than most residents realize.
The program runs under six separate sub-programs. Each one has its own name, income limit, and covered population. Many Vermonters qualify without knowing it. Find your program and income limit in the breakdown below.
1. What Is Vermont Medicaid?
Vermont Medicaid is a state and federally funded health insurance program for low-income Vermont residents. The state calls it Green Mountain Care. It covers medical visits, prescriptions, mental health services, dental care, and long-term care. Eligibility depends on age, income, household size, and disability status.
Vermont is one of the few states that had already expanded Medicaid coverage before the ACA required it. The program is administered by the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA). Applications are processed through Vermont Health Connect.
Thousands of Vermont residents rely on Medicaid coverage through Green Mountain Care each year. Many Vermont Medicaid recipients are working adults and families, not only unemployed individuals.
2. Vermont Medicaid Programs: Which One Covers You?
Green Mountain Care includes several major Medicaid coverage programs, each with different eligibility rules and populations. Each has its own income rules and covered population.
| Program | Who It Covers |
| Medicaid for Children and Adults (MCA) | Adults 19 to 64, non-disabled, not blind |
| Dr. Dynasaur | Children under 19 and pregnant individuals |
| MABD | Adults 65 and older, blind, or disabled and not in a nursing home |
| Medicaid for Working Disabled (MWD) | Disabled adults who work at least a few hours per month |
| Choices for Care | Adults needing nursing home or home-based long-term care |
| IHIP | Immigrants who cannot access standard Medicaid |
Key 2026 updates worth knowing:
- Dr. Dynasaur premiums, as of 2026, generally do not pay monthly premiums. All eligible children receive coverage at zero monthly cost to the family. No premium payment is required to maintain enrollment.
- Most children enrolled in Dr. Dynasaur receive 12 months of continuous coverage, even if household income changes during that period.
- Pregnant individuals receive Dr. Dynasaur free of charge. Coverage continues for 12 months after birth at no cost, regardless of income changes during the postpartum period.
>>> Read more: Family Planning Medicaid: Don’t Miss Out On Your Benefits
3. Vermont Medicaid Income Limits 2026
Vermont Medicaid income limits depend on which program you are applying for. Limits also vary by household size and eligibility group. Use the table below to find your category.
Income limits are updated regularly and may change each year slightly based on federal poverty level adjustments
| Program | Monthly Income Limit (1 person) | Notes |
| MCA: Adults 19 to 64 | $1,800 (138% FPL) | No asset test |
| Dr. Dynasaur: Children under 19 | $4,134 (317% FPL) | Premiums suspended in 2026 |
| Dr. Dynasaur: Pregnant individuals | $2,778 (213% FPL) | Free coverage and 12 months postpartum |
| MABD: Outside Chittenden County | $1,375 | Asset test applies |
| MABD: Inside Chittenden County | $1,483 | Asset test applies |
| MWD: Working disabled | $3,260 (250% FPL) | Resource limit: $10,000 |
| Choices for Care (Long-Term Care) | $2,901 | Income above limit goes toward care costs |
Three important notes about Vermont income rules:
1. Vermont counts earned and unearned income differently. Certain earned income deductions may reduce countable income for some seniors and disabled applicants. This means some working seniors and disabled individuals qualify even when their gross income appears to be above the limit.
2. Some applicants with income above the standard limit may still qualify for long-term care coverage through spend-down or other Medicaid pathways. Applicants can deduct outstanding medical bills from their excess income until the countable amount falls below the threshold.
Even if your income is currently above the limit for your category, spending down medical expenses may open a pathway to coverage.
>>> Read more: What Is The Income Limit For Medicaid? Verify Your Qualification NOW
4. How to Get Vermont Medicaid
Vermont processes all Medicaid applications through one system. You can apply at any time of year — there is no enrollment period for Medicaid.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather the following before you apply:
- Proof of Vermont residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or state-issued ID
- Proof of income, including pay stubs, a recent tax return, or a Social Security award letter
- Social Security Numbers for all household members applying
- Immigration documents, if applicable to your household
Application Methods
You can choose 1 of 3 application methods below to apply:
1. Online (Fastest) Apply through Vermont Health Connect at healthconnect.vermont.gov. Create an account, upload your documents, and track your application status in one place.
2. By Phone Call 1-855-899-9600, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A representative will walk you through each step of the application.
3. In Person: Contact your local DVHA district office. Staff can assist you in completing a paper application.
Vermont Health Connect processes applications for both Medicaid and qualified health plans through the same portal.
5. Get a Free Phone Plan With Your Vermont Medicaid
Managing Medicaid coverage in Vermont takes regular communication. You may need to call DVHA about a redetermination, follow up with a provider about a referral, or reach Vermont Health Connect to update your household information. All of that requires a reliable phone.
The federal Lifeline program is a government assistance program that helps low-income households afford communication services.
Vermont Medicaid enrollment may automatically qualify you for Lifeline. You may also qualify through other programs, including SNAP, SSI, Section 8, and Veterans Pension, or by meeting the federal income limit at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Note: Eligibility varies by state and program. Offers depend on availability and qualifications. Service is non-transferable and limited to one service per household.
Trusted Lifeline providers like Cintex Wireless partner with the federal government to deliver this benefit directly to eligible households.
Example plans available in Vermont (ZIP code 05407):
Vermont residents who qualify for Lifeline may choose from several plans at enrollment:
| Plan | Data | Monthly Cost | Device Offer |
| Lifeline Data Boost | 10GB on 5G+ | $0 | Bring your own device |
| Lifeline Basic | 5GB on 5G+ | $0 | Free or discounted phone available |
| Lifeline Plus | 10GB on 5G+ | $10 | Free or discounted phone available |
| Lifeline Premium | 16GB on 5G+ | $20 | Free or discounted phone available |
| Lifeline Unlimited | Unlimited on 5G+ | $35 | Free or discounted phone available |
Eligible Vermont applicants may receive a free device with a qualifying plan.
Current device options include:
- the Hotpepper Verde, AirVoice S67 5G, and
- discounted upgrades, including the iPhone 7, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 11, and Samsung Galaxy A42 5G.
Device availability changes regularly and varies by stock and location.
UPDATE: Cintex Wireless is merging with AirTalk Wireless. Together, the two providers bring users a wider network, quicker enrollment, and stronger monthly benefits across all plans.
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by Cintex Wireless or AirTalk Wireless as part of promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
>>> Read more: Free Government iPhone With Medicaid Near Me: Claim One At $0
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What Is Vermont’s Medicaid Program Called?
Vermont Medicaid is officially called Green Mountain Care. It is administered by the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) and includes several sub-programs: Dr. Dynasaur for children and pregnant individuals, MABD for seniors and disabled adults, and Choices for Care for long-term services.
Q2. What Is the Income Limit for Vermont Medicaid in 2026?
The income limit depends on your program. Most adults ages 19 to 64 qualify at 138% FPL, around $1,800 per month for a single person. Dr. Dynasaur covers many Vermont children and pregnant individuals at higher income levels than standard adult Medicaid.
Q3. Does Vermont Medicaid Cover Dental for Adults?
Vermont Medicaid includes limited adult dental benefits, including preventive and medically necessary dental services. Cosmetic procedures, orthodontics, and processed bridges are not covered for adults under standard Green Mountain Care benefits.
Final Words
Vermont Medicaid covers more Vermonters than most people expect. Green Mountain Care includes working adults, children through Dr. Dynasaur at up to 317% FPL, seniors through MABD, and long-term care residents through Choices for Care. Dr. Dynasaur premiums are suspended in 2026. Families with children should recheck eligibility now.
If you already have Vermont Medicaid, you may also qualify for a free Lifeline phone plan through Cintex Wireless or AirTalk Wireless.
