2026 Income Limits by Program
Green Mountain Care (Adults 19 to 64)
Vermont expanded Medicaid, so most adults who earn at or below 138% FPL qualify for Green Mountain Care at no cost. The 2026 monthly income limits at 138% FPL are:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (138% FPL) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,800 | $21,597 |
| 2 | $2,432 | $29,186 |
| 3 | $3,065 | $36,775 |
| 4 | $3,697 | $44,364 |
| 5 | $4,330 | $51,953 |
| 6 | $4,962 | $59,542 |
| 7 | $5,595 | $67,131 |
| 8 | $6,227 | $72,724 |
Income is counted as MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income), which includes wages, self-employment income, and most other taxable income. Social Security income is included for most adults.
Dr. Dynasaur (Children Under 19)
Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program covers children at up to 317% of the federal poverty level, one of the highest thresholds in the nation. As of 2026, monthly premiums for Dr. Dynasaur have been suspended indefinitely, meaning enrolled children receive coverage at no monthly cost to the family.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (317% FPL) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $4,134 | $49,612 |
| 2 | $5,587 | $67,044 |
| 3 | $7,040 | $84,480 |
| 4 | $8,493 | $101,916 |
| 5 | $9,946 | $119,352 |
| 6 | $11,399 | $136,788 |
| 7 | $12,852 | $154,224 |
| 8 | $14,305 | $171,660 |
Children from families with higher incomes may also qualify for Vermont Health Connect plans with subsidies. Run a free check through our screener to see your full options.
Dr. Dynasaur (Pregnant Women)
Pregnant women qualify for Dr. Dynasaur at up to 213% FPL. Coverage includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. The income limits are:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (213% FPL) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,778 | $33,336 |
| 2 | $3,754 | $45,048 |
| 3 | $4,730 | $56,760 |
| 4 | $5,707 | $68,484 |
| 5 | $6,683 | $80,196 |
| 6 | $7,659 | $91,908 |
| 7 | $8,635 | $103,620 |
| 8 | $9,612 | $115,344 |
The income of the baby is counted as a separate household member once born, which can affect eligibility calculations after delivery.
Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MABD)
MABD uses fixed monthly income limits rather than FPL percentages. Vermont applies different limits based on county, reflecting cost-of-living differences. The 2026 limits are:
| Location | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Outside Chittenden County | $1,375 |
| Inside Chittenden County (Burlington area) | $1,483 |
MABD also has asset limits. Single applicants cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets. Married couples where both apply are limited to $4,000 combined. A home, one vehicle, and personal belongings are generally exempt from asset counts.
For married couples where only one spouse applies, the non-applicant spouse may keep up to $162,660 in assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance) to avoid spousal impoverishment.
Medicaid for the Working Disabled (MWD)
Vermonters with disabilities who are working at least a few hours per month may qualify for MWD at up to 250% FPL. This program often allows people to earn more than they could under MABD while still maintaining Medicaid coverage.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (250% FPL) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $3,325 | $39,900 |
| 2 | $4,492 | $53,904 |
| 3 | $5,658 | $67,896 |
| 4 | $6,825 | $81,900 |
Asset limits for MWD are $10,000 for an individual and $15,000 for a couple.
Choices for Care (Long-Term Services)
Choices for Care is Vermont's Medicaid waiver program covering nursing home care and home-based services for older adults and people with disabilities who need a high level of care. The 2026 income limit is $2,982 per month for a single person and $5,964 per month for a married couple where both spouses apply.
For couples where only one spouse needs long-term care, the at-home spouse may retain up to $162,660 in assets and receive a monthly maintenance allowance between $2,707 and $4,066.50.
What Counts as Income in Vermont Medicaid
Vermont uses MAGI-based income counting for most programs (Green Mountain Care, Dr. Dynasaur, MWD). This generally includes:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Social Security income (for some programs)
- Unemployment compensation
- Alimony received
It generally does not count:
- Child support received
- Veteran's benefits (in most cases)
- SNAP or other public assistance benefits
- One-time gifts or inheritances (in most cases)
For MABD and Choices for Care, income counting rules differ and may include investment income, pension payments, and Social Security. An eligibility worker can help sort out what counts for your specific situation.
How to Apply for Vermont Medicaid in 2026
Vermont has streamlined its application process through Vermont Health Connect. There are four ways to apply:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before applying, collect:
- Photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of Vermont residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, self-employment records)
- For MABD applicants: recent bank statements, investment account statements
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Online (fastest option)
Go to Vermont Health Connect and create an account. The online application walks you through each step and auto-checks eligibility across programs. Most applicants get a determination the same day.
By phone
Call 1-855-899-9600. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone applications typically take 20 to 30 minutes.
By mail
Download or request the paper application (form 205ALLMED) and mail it to:
Vermont Health Connect, Application and Document Processing Center, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-8100.
In person
Visit a local Vermont Department for Children and Families office or work with a certified application assister. Assisters provide free help at community organizations, hospitals, and health centers across the state.
Step 3: Submit and Follow Up
After submitting your application, Vermont Health Connect will review it within 45 days for most programs (or 90 days for disability-based Medicaid). You may be asked to provide additional documentation. Check your mail and the online portal for updates.
Step 4: Receive Your Coverage Letter
If approved, you will receive a letter confirming your program and coverage start date. Coverage for most applicants is retroactive to the first day of the month in which you applied. In urgent medical situations, you may be able to request retroactive coverage for up to three months prior.
Vermont Medicaid Coverage: What Is Included
Vermont Medicaid covers a broad range of services, including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental care (adult dental is included in Vermont, which is uncommon nationally)
- Vision care and eyeglasses
- Preventive care and screenings
- Long-term care services (through Choices for Care)
Vermont also includes adult dental coverage, which many states do not offer. This is one of the benefits of Vermont's relatively comprehensive Medicaid package.
Renewing Vermont Medicaid
Medicaid eligibility must be renewed each year. Vermont uses an "ex parte" process, meaning the state first tries to automatically renew your coverage using existing data. If it cannot confirm your eligibility automatically, you will receive a renewal form in the mail.
When you get a renewal notice, respond quickly. Missing the deadline can result in losing coverage even if you still qualify. You can update your information online at Vermont Health Connect, by phone at 1-855-899-9600, or by mail.
What If Your Income Is Slightly Over the Limit?
If your income is just above the Medicaid limit, you may still have options:
- Vermont Health Connect plans with subsidies: Adults between 138% and 400% FPL may qualify for premium tax credits to reduce the cost of a private health plan.
- Spend-down (Medically Needy): Some Vermonters with incomes above the MABD limit may qualify through spend-down, where medical expenses reduce your countable income to the eligibility threshold.
- Medicaid for the Working Disabled: If you have a disability, MWD's 250% FPL limit is significantly higher than standard MABD.
Use our free benefits screener to see all programs you may qualify for based on your specific situation, including Vermont Health Connect subsidized plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Vermont Medicaid in 2026?
Vermont Medicaid covers adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes at or below 138% FPL, children under 19 at up to 317% FPL, pregnant women at up to 213% FPL, and Vermonters who are 65 or older or have a disability (through MABD, with income limits of $1,375 or $1,483 per month depending on county). You must be a Vermont resident and a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant.
Does Vermont have a Medicaid coverage gap?
No. Vermont expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so there is no coverage gap. Adults who earn too little to receive marketplace subsidies are covered by Green Mountain Care instead of falling into an uninsured gap.
Is Dr. Dynasaur free in 2026?
Yes. Vermont suspended Dr. Dynasaur monthly premiums indefinitely. Families with children who qualify based on income pay no monthly premium for coverage.
Can I have assets and still qualify for Vermont Medicaid?
For Green Mountain Care and Dr. Dynasaur, there are no asset limits. For MABD, the asset limit is $2,000 for a single person. For Choices for Care (long-term care), the limit is also $2,000 for a single person, though many asset types are exempt including your primary home, one vehicle, and personal belongings.
How long does Vermont Medicaid approval take?
Most applications through Vermont Health Connect are processed within a few days to two weeks for standard programs. Disability-based Medicaid (MABD) applications can take up to 90 days because they require additional documentation review.
Can I apply for Vermont Medicaid at any time of year?
Yes. Medicaid has no open enrollment period and accepts applications year-round. You can apply any time you experience a change in income, household size, or circumstances. Coverage typically starts the first day of the month you apply.
What if I am undocumented?
Vermont Medicaid generally requires U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status for full coverage. However, emergency Medicaid services are available to all Vermont residents regardless of immigration status. Certain programs also cover prenatal care for pregnant people who do not otherwise qualify.
How do I report a change in income or household size?
Report changes online at Vermont Health Connect, by calling 1-855-899-9600, or by visiting a local office. Report changes promptly. If your income increases above the limit and you do not report it, you may owe repayment of benefits received after you were no longer eligible.
Where can I get free help applying?
Vermont has a network of certified application assisters and navigators who help at no cost. The Office of the Health Care Advocate also provides free assistance at 1-800-917-7787. Many hospitals, community health centers, and libraries offer in-person help as well.
Ready to see if you qualify? Use our free benefits screener to check Vermont Medicaid eligibility alongside other programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, and ACA subsidies in about two minutes. You can also visit our Vermont benefits page for a full overview of assistance programs available in the state.
