An Assister is a person trained to educate and provide enrollment assistance to individuals and families through the Department of Vermont Health Access. They can help you connect with qualified health plans and Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur. Assisters work for various agencies in the community such as hospitals, health care providers, and community-based organizations.
- How do I find an Assister?
- What are the benefits to working with an Assister?
- What can I expect from my Assister?
- I've already started an application. Can an Assister still finish the application for me?
- If I give an Assister permission to act on my behalf, how long does that permission last?
- What is the difference between navigators, certified application counselors, and brokers?
- How to I file a complaint if I have any concerns?
- How can I spot a scam?
How do I find an Assister?
Browse our list of in person assisters (sorted by county). Please contact them directly to request information or to set up an appointment.
What are the benefits to working with an Assister?
Working with an Assister can help simplify the process of filling out an application and enrolling in a health plan. Assisters know the process and can guide you through all the steps. If you give formal permission, an Assister can start an application on your behalf, resume an application you have started, and submit and application on your behalf. They are also able to help you shop for a plan, apply any tax credits you might be eligible for, and sign you up for a plan.
However, you are still responsible for responding to any notices you may receive AND paying any premiums that may be required to start your coverage.
What can I expect from my Assister?
- All Assisters have been trained by Vermont Health Connect staff. Currently certified Assisters have a certification number and an active license with Vermont Health Connect.
- All Assisters are required to have a criminal background check upon certification as assisters.
- Prior to obtaining access to the Vermont Health Connect enrollment system, all Assisters must meet Vermont Health Connect certification requirements.
- Assisters should be able to answer your questions about Vermont Health Connect or find the answers for you.
I've already started an application. Can an Assister still finish the application for me?
Yes. An Assister can pick up an application where you left off. Assisters can also help you over-the-shoulder to complete an application. Even if you are working with an Assister, you can still use your own online account or fill out the paper application.
If I give an Assister permission to act on my behalf, how long does that permission last?
The Assister will maintain access to your information until you withdraw your permission, or until the Assister's certification status ends, whichever comes first. You are not required to give an Assister permission to apply and enroll on your behalf. To adjust or withdraw an Assister's access to your account, please call us at 855-899-9600.
What is the difference between navigators, certified application counselors, and brokers?
All are Assisters and can help individuals and families connect with qualified health plans and Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur.
- Navigators are grant-funded by the State of Vermont to assist anyone within the community who request assistance with their health care coverage.
- Certified application counselors (CACs) are non-funded positions who assist the clients of their employer, which is most often a provider or community-based organization.
- Brokers are licensed health insurance brokers who provide assistance to small businesses and individuals, and who also charge a fee to the customer for their assistance.
- For 2023, read the 2023 Broker Compensation Schedule
- For 2022, read the 2022 Broker Compensation Schedule
- For 2021, read the 2021 Broker Compensation Schedule
How to I file a complaint if I have any concerns?
If you think that someone is taking part in any form of fraud, waster, abuse, or ethical violation, we want to know. You can tell us by filing a complaint.
How can I spot a scam?
Assisters will NOT:
- Charge for their services unless you are a business or individual who contracts with a broker
- Call to work with you unless you have called them first
- Make unsolicited requests for personal information
- Offer to provide you with an “Obama Care” card
Should you encounter any of these practices by someone claiming to be a Vermont Health Connect assister, please contact us at ahs.vthealthconnect@vermont.gov.