President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) implements cost increases to health-insurance programs and funding cuts to food- and heating-assistance programs.
Democrats in Congress voted against the federal budget—shutting down the government—specifically to demand that these health insurance cuts be reversed.
The BBB cuts Medicaid (health insurance for the neediest Americans ) by $1 trillion, and ends critical subsidies to Americans who buy health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (Vermont Health Connect in Vermont). These AHA subsidies extended assistance to people earning more than four times the federal poverty level ($64k), and will go away at the end of 2025 unless President Trump and Congress repeal the BBB. Vermont already has some of the most expensive health insurance in the country. These cuts—if not stopped– will make health insurance out-of-reach for Vermonters.
November just began Open Enrollment, and Vermonters on Vermont Health Connect are beginning to see these increases to their health insurance.
The BBB also cuts SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) funding by $182 billion.
Over the next decade, it is estimated that the Big Beautiful Bill will cut millions of Americans out of critical food, heating, and health-care subsidies. To help Vermonters facing these challenges, I am sharing some useful information:
Health Insurance
Vermont Health Connect
Three Online Town Halls are scheduled this month during Open Enrollment to assist Vermonters who purchase health insurance on Vermont Health Connect:
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 12:15 PM – 1 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 12:15 PM – 1 PM
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 12:1- PM – 1 PM
Click here for registration information.
Medicare Advantage
Two private insurers — UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield (Vermont Blue Advantage) — recently announced they will not offer their individual Medicare Advantage plans in Vermont as of January 1, 2026. Vermonters in Washington County will need to enroll in traditional Medicare, and can do so now. You will also need to enroll in a Part D plan for drug coverage. CMS requires drug coverage to avoid penalties.
You will also have a Special Enrollment Period to get a secondary insurance plan, called a Medicare Supplement plan or Medigap. Medigap coverage is optional and there are several Medigap plans available with varying degrees of coverage. Should you choose not to get a Medigap plan, you will be responsible for the cost sharing amounts that Medicare A and B do not cover– this includes hospital deductibles, medical deductibles, and typically a 20% co-insurance for services. The Special Enrollment Period for Medigap plans is also called “guaranteed issue open enrollment” and waives any underwriting. The period lasts for 63 days after your current coverage ends. This means you can enroll in Medigap until March 4, 2026.
You must provide the discontinuation letter sent by your current insurer as proof you are eligible for guaranteed issue rights and the extended enrollment period– do not throw this letter away!
The Vermont Area Agencies on Aging have increased staffing of the Vermont State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119. Counselors are available to discuss any questions. Appointments with SHIP counselors are booking quickly. If you aren’t able to meet with them before the end of open enrollment, you can also get information online at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE which is staffed 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The Vermont Health Care Advocate Hotline can also help:1-800-917-7787.
Food/Heating Fuel Assistance–3 Squares VT (SNAP) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Vermont’s Emergency Board, consisting of legislators and the Governor, committed last week to funding SNAP and LIHEAP benefits with the least amount of disruption as possible.
If you’re currently enrolled in 3SquaresVT, this means:
- You’ll get half of your usual monthly benefit now, to cover the first 15 days of the month. This will be available to you by November 7. If the federal funding lapse continues, we expect the Emergency Board to decide on November 13 to fund benefits for the rest of the month. If you still have funds on your EBT Card from last month, you can still use them. You can check your EBT Balance online or by calling 1-800-914-8605.
- These benefits will be issued the normal way. If you have an EBT card, the benefits will appear there, and if you get a direct deposit, it will arrive in your bank account.
The Emergency Board also directed $250,000 to the Vermont Foodbank to support local food shelves; reach out to your local food bank for more information about their individual plans for this stressful time and if you are able, consider donating to your local food shelf this week.
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