Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs
Fewer non-citizens will qualify for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program starting October 1, 2026.
Who is still eligible?
- Starting October 1, 2026, eligibility for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program will be limited to U.S. Citizens and the following groups of non-citizens:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)*
- COFA Migrants
- Cuban and Haitian entrants
- Important note — The new law does not apply to:
- children under 21, or
- pregnant people.
They are still eligible.
What if you are not listed above?
- Other non-citizens in Vermont will no longer qualify for Medicaid for Adults, Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled, Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities, Long Term Care Medicaid, and the Medicare Savings Programs.
- You may need to apply for financial help at a local hospital or health clinic. Learn more about financial assistance and low-cost care options in Vermont.
*Some Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) must wait five years before they can get Medicaid. However, this waiting period is waived (does not apply) to many people who originally had a humanitarian-based immigration status before adjustment. Call the Office of the Health Care Advocate with questions: 1-800-917-7787.
Qualified Health Plans and Advance Premium Tax Credit
Fewer non-citizens will qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) starting in 2026 and 2027.
Who is still eligible?
- In 2026: All non-citizens must have household income above 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credit.
- In 2027: Eligibility for Advance Premium Tax Credit will be limited to U.S. Citizens and the following three groups of non-citizens:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
- COFA Migrants
- Cuban and Haitian entrants
- These groups must have a household income above 100% FPL and below 400% FPL to get APTC in 2027.
What if you are not listed above?
- Other non-citizens in Vermont will no longer qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credit.
- You can still buy a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through Vermont Health Connect or directly through the insurance company, but you cannot get financial help to lower monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. These plans may cost a lot without financial help.
- You have until December 31 to cancel if you are enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan with Advance Premium Tax Credit and can no longer afford your premium in 2027. Call Vermont Health Connect to cancel: 1-855-899-9600.
- You may need to apply for financial help at a local hospital or health clinic. Learn more about financial assistance and low-cost care options in Vermont.
Medicare
Fewer non-citizens will qualify for Medicare in 2027.
Who is still eligible?
- Starting January 4, 2027, only U.S. Citizens and people in the following groups qualify for Medicare:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
- COFA Migrants
- Cuban and Haitian entrants
What if you are not listed above?
- Other non-citizens in Vermont will no longer qualify for Medicare.
- You can still buy a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through Vermont Health Connect or directly through the insurance company, but you cannot get financial help to lower monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. These plans may cost a lot without financial help.
- You may need to apply for financial help at a local hospital or health clinic. Learn more about financial assistance and low-cost care options in Vermont.
