Vermonters face shorter window to buy 2027 health insurance as prices climb

The deadline for selecting 2027 health coverage in Vermont arrives one month earlier than last year, compressing the enrollment period as monthly costs for popular plans increase.

Vermonters must finalize their choices by December 15 to ensure their policies take effect on January 1, 2027. This shift reduces the available time to seek assistance compared to the previous cycle. The Vermont Department of Health Access recommends that residents use the state's online plan comparison tool immediately to identify coverage that fits their specific needs.

The rise in costs is evident in the most expensive tier of market plans. A Gold Plan for a single adult through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont now costs $1,391 per month before subsidies, a jump from $1,219.41 in 2025. That represents an increase of roughly 14%. MVP Health Care offers a comparable plan for $1,188, up from $1,145, which is a rise of nearly 4%.

These price hikes follow a decline in federal support. Congress allowed enhanced tax credits to expire at the end of 2025. These credits previously assisted single individuals earning more than $63,000 annually. State data indicates that approximately 28,500 people are currently enrolled in marketplace plans for 2026. Officials attribute the drop in enrollment to the loss of these subsidies, noting that the age group most affected was those with incomes above the previous threshold.

Mike Fisher, a Vermont Health Care Advocate, explained that the departure of healthier individuals from the risk pool increases costs for those who remain. "There was a broad prediction that a lot of people would leave the market, and that came to be," Fisher said. He added that the high cost of providing medical care in the state is also a primary driver of premium increases.

In response to higher monthly bills, many residents are opting for Bronze Plans, which feature lower premiums but higher deductibles. Fisher estimates that twice as many Vermonters chose Bronze Plans last year. While this strategy lowers the monthly payment, it can make it difficult for policyholders to afford necessary care when they need it. "Unfortunately, many Vermonters experience it," Fisher said. "Somehow, they manage to pay their premiums, they have health insurance, and they can't afford to get the care they need."

As the December 15 deadline approaches, support systems are expected to face higher demand. Fisher warned that helplines will become busier, leading to longer wait times for callers. Alex McCracken of the Vermont Department of Health Access urged residents to check their eligibility for financial assistance, noting that most enrollees qualify for subsidies that reduce premiums by hundreds or thousands of dollars based on age, income, and health status.