Vermont Law Help's Health Law Page

Health Care Ombudsman (HCO) HelpLine

Call 1-800-917-7787 to speak with the office of Health Care Ombudsman.

Vermont’s HCO HelpLine is a free resource available to help all Vermonters solve problems related to health care. We:HCO Advocates

  • answer questions
  • tell you what free and lower-cost programs you may be eligible for
  • help you apply for and get free and lower-cost health coverage
  • find out what your health plan covers
  • provide advice about how to solve billing problems and make complaints 
  • work for fair treatment and affordable health services for everyone.

The HCO is not an insurance company and is not part of the of Vermont state government.  It is a special project within Vermont Legal Aid, which is an independent non-profit law firm.

To get help with a health care issue, call the HCO Hotline at 1-800-917-7787. To speak with an advocate, call during business hours (8:30 am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday) or call anytime and leave a message.

You can also request help by sending an email to the HCO advocates. 

 

Warning about Medical Scams

Beware of Health Insurance Sales Scam

If a company emails you, your family members or your neighbors to try to sell you insurance because it is required in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, you should ignore and delete those emails without clicking on any of the links.

Most people will be required to have health insurance in 2014 but, if you are not on Medicare or do not have insurance through your employer,  you will apply for insurance (including Medicaid) through a government exchange. Vermont’s exchange is called Vermont Health Connect.

It is not a good idea to provide your personal information or purchase goods or services through emails or telephone calls unless you first verify that the company is selling a real service or product.

National Medical Card Scam

The Federal Trade Commission is alerting the public to beware of callers who say that they are sending out national medical cards for the new Affordable Care Act.

THERE ARE NO NATIONAL MEDICAL CARDS, so you should not give any personal or bank information to a caller who says they will send you one.

Here is a link to the FTC's warning and information about how to protect yourself.

Please report any calls you receive from someone attempting to send you a national medical card or any similar type of scam to the FTC.

Make a free call to 1-877-382-4357 or report the complaint online.

Any information you can give to the FTC about the caller - name, telephone number, or location - can be very helpful.

 

Health Care Reform in Vermont - What You Need to Know

Visit and bookmark this page on our website: Health Care Reform in Vermont - What You Need to Know. We will regularly post videos, fact sheets and other information that you may find helpful to prepare for the Vermont Health Connect insurance marketplace in 2014.

 

How to File an Insurance Complaint

The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation's Department of Insurance makes it easy for you to file an insurance complaint. By simply clicking a button, you can file a complaint online or fill out a form to print and mail.

Visit the Insurance Complaint Frequently Asked Questions page to find out more about the process of filing a complaint.

 

 

Visit the pages below for resources that may help you with your health care problem.  Can't find what you are looking for?  Try using the search box.  

 

Vermont Health Care Programs [view all]

Green Mountain Care GreenMountainCare.org

Overview Chart
This chart compares the costs and benefits of Vermont's health care programs. (updated 3-18-2013)

Catamount Health
Catamount Health is a full-pay program for Vermonters 18 and older and for families who qualify. Some Vermonters may qualify for help to pay for Catamount Health. Catamount will not be offered after 2013.  How to apply 

Dr. Dynasaur
Free or low-cost health coverage for children and teens under age 18 and for pregnant women. How to apply

Employer-Sponsored Insurance Assistance (ESIA)
Some Vermonters may qualify for help paying for insurance provided by their employers.

Long-Term Care Medicaid helps Vermonters who qualify pay for long-term care services.

Medicaid in Vermont
Low-cost or free coverage for low-income children, young adults under age 21, parents, pregnant women, caretaker relatives, and those who are blind, disabled or age 65 or older.

Prescription Assistance
Helps uninsured Vermonters and those enrolled in Medicare who qualify based on income, disability status and age pay for prescription medicines. Programs include VPharm, VHAP-Pharmacy, VScript and Healthy Vermonters.

Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP)
Adults age 18 and older who meet the VHAP qualifications and income guidelines can enroll in VHAP. Adults with children qualify at higher income levels.


Apply NOW


Long-Term Medical Care in Vermont

This helpful resource answers many questions about long-term medical care: who pays; income, resources and transfers; and more.

 

Medical Decisions: Advanced Directives, Living Wills [view all]

What is an advanced directive?  A living will?  How do you make one? Find out by reading:

When you're ready, these forms will help:

 

Medicare  [view all]

In November 2012, there was an important change in Medicare coverage for people who need skilled services such as physical therapy. Before, patients had to improve in order to qualify for skilled services. Now, patients who will get worse without skilled services can get coverage.

Medicare Part D benefits are provided by private insurance companies. There are 27 different plans to choose from in Vermont. The plans cover different prescription drugs and charge different premiums and deductibles. You need to compare the plans closely and choose one that works best for you. Questions? Here's a helpful guide to Medicare Part D.

Visit the U.S. Government's Medicare website for complete information about Medicare

 

Private Health Insurance [view all]

Need help with problems with your private health insurance provider?

 

Reviewed March 2013 

 

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