Vermont Governor Douglas Introduces Comprehensive Family Of Health Coverage Options For Uninsured Vermonters

Catamount Health is Newest Program Under Green Mountain Care; Targeted Advertising and Outreach Campaign Planned to Reach Uninsured Vermonters

November 1, 2007 -- RUTLAND, Vt. – Vermont Governor Jim Douglas (R-VT) and members of the Vermont General Assembly today announced Green Mountain Care, the comprehensive family of low-cost and free health coverage programs for uninsured Vermonters. The newest program under Green Mountain Care is the much-anticipated Catamount Health which opened for enrollment on October 1, 2007. Other programs include the well-known Dr. Dynasaur program for uninsured kids, Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP), Medicaid and Prescription Assistance programs.

“Green Mountain Care represents the most comprehensive package of health coverage options the state has ever seen,” said Governor Jim Douglas. “While we are very proud that more than 90 percent of Vermonters have health coverage, it is a top priority to offer everyone in our state access to affordable insurance.”

Research shows that about half of Vermont’s uninsured are currently eligible for Medicaid, VHAP or Dr. Dynasaur. The remaining number of uninsured are likely eligible for Catamount Health, which begins coverage today. Catamount Health is designed for uninsured working Vermonters who earn too much to qualify for other state coverage programs but can’t afford to purchase health insurance on their own or are not offered health coverage through their employer. The state will offer financial assistance, based on income, to individuals and families to help pay their Catamount Health premiums or their portion of their employer’s health insurance plan.

Created by the 2006 Health Care Affordability Act signed into law with bipartisan support by Gov. Douglas, Catamount Health Plans are offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP Health Care in cooperation with the state. The plans provide comprehensive benefits such as doctor visits, check-ups and screenings, hospital visits, emergency care, chronic disease care, prescription medicines, and more. More than 1,000 applications have been received since October 1.

"Catamount Health is an important first step towards making sure all Vermonters have access to health care they can afford. It is a comprehensive benefit plan available for a premium that reflects your ability to pay. Additionally, the state will help those with access to comprehensive employer coverage to enroll in their employer's plan," said Vermont Speaker of the House Gaye Symington. "We want everyone who is uninsured – whether you're in Benson, Brownington or Burlington – to pick up the phone and call 1-800-250-8427 or go to www.GreenMountainCare.org today."

Premium assistance for individuals who earn less than $2,553* a month is funded from revenue from increased tobacco taxes, federal dollars, and employer fees based on the number of uninsured employees.

“Vermont is a leader in state-based health care reform,” said Senator Jane Kitchel (D-Caledonia). “Through programs like Catamount Health, we’re setting the example that elected officials, advocates and state agencies can work together to provide quality, comprehensive health coverage for hard-working Americans.”

The state launched research-based television, print and online advertising today to encourage uninsured Vermonters to call 1-800-250-8427 or visit the new www.GreenMountainCare.org Web site to learn about health coverage options available to them.

“With the diverse make-up of Vermont’s uninsured population, we saw a real opportunity to promote Catamount Health and all of the health coverage programs offered by the state under one name,” said Susan Besio, the director of health care reform implementation for the Vermont Agency of Administration. “Starting today, we are launching an aggressive advertising campaign that we hope will appeal to a broad range of Vermonters and motivate those without health insurance to call 1-800-250-8427 or visit www.GreenMountainCare.org to learn what coverage option might be right for them.”

In addition, advocates and outreach workers will aggressively promote the Green Mountain Care programs through one-on-one outreach to uninsured Vermonters, distribution of materials and statewide meetings with organizations that serve the uninsured. Free outreach materials, including brochures, posters and magnets, are available for order at www.GreenMountainCare.org for anyone interested in promoting Green Mountain Care programs. In addition, an outreach toolkit, which includes fact sheets, frequently asked questions, tips for conducting outreach and Green Mountain Care program applications, is available to download.

Coverage options available under Green Mountain Care include:

• Catamount Health – For adults who have been uninsured for 12 months or more (several exceptions apply**); adults without children that earn more than $1,277* per month and families that earn more than $1,575* per month may be eligible; premiums range from $60-$393 a month based on income; assistance is available to those making less than $2,553* per month to help pay for premiums, including their portion of their employer’s premium.

• Dr. Dynasaur – Low-cost or free health coverage program for children, teenagers under age 18 and pregnant women; eligibility is based on family income and size; a family of four can earn up to $5,162* per month and still be eligible.

• Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP) – Health coverage program for low-income uninsured adults age 18 and older who have been uninsured for 12 months or more (several exceptions apply**); adults without children can earn up to $1,276* per month and a family of four up to $3,182 per month and still be eligible.

• Medicaid – Low-cost or free health coverage program for low-income children, young adults under age 21, parents, pregnant women, caretaker relatives, people who are blind or have disabilities and people over age 65; eligibility is based on income and resources.

• Prescription Assistance – Programs including VPharm, VHAP-Pharmacy, VScript and Healthy Vermonters; help pay for prescription medicines; eligibility is based on income, disability status and age.

* Income guidelines are higher for larger households; one may still qualify if monthly income is up to $200 per month higher if he or she has earned income and/or child care expenses. ** Go to www.GreenMountainCare.org for a list of several exceptions to this 12-month rule.

Green Mountain Care is a family of low-cost and free health coverage programs for uninsured Vermonters. Offered by the state of Vermont and its partners, Green Mountain Care programs provide coverage for health services such as doctor visits, emergency care, prescription medicines and more. For additional information, call 1-800-250-8427 or go to www.GreenMountainCare.org.

Source: Vermont Governor

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