Vermont: @VTHealthConnect revamps website, quietly extends COVID SEP out thru October 1st

Huh. Vermont's ACA exchange website, Vermont Health Connect, has looked pretty much the same for at least the past 5-6 years, but a month or so ago they quietly overhauled the layout & design interface of the site. I have no idea if they actually updated the back-end, however.

In any event, the VT Health Connect's COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period was originally supposed to end last Friday (May 14th), but they appear to have done something else without much fanfare as well:

Important Message: To get health insurance, you must sign up during an enrollment period. Vermont Health Connect has a Special Enrollment Period open now through October 1, and uninsured Vermonters can enroll in a qualified health plan during this time. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, Vermonters can get more financial help when they enroll through Vermont Health Connect. Vermonters who have insurance directly through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont or MVP Health Care® can transfer their plan to Vermont Health Connect now to get premium tax credits. Vermonters who are eligible for Medicaid can enroll at any time.

They've also posted an updated table explaining the situation, options and procedures for Vermont residents in different situations:

• If you don’t have health insurance:
  • Apply for coverage through Vermont Health Connect and get financial help.
  • Login to your account or call us at 1-855-899-9600 to start getting your premium tax credits in advance.

• If you're enrolled with Vermont Health Connect:
  • You don’t need to do anything right now.
  • Login to your account or call us at 1-855-899-9600 to start getting your premium tax credits in advance.

• If you get health insurance directly from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont or MVP Health Care:
  • Read our instructions for transferring your qualified health plan. The sooner you transfer your plan, the more tax credits you will get!
  • Login to your account or call us at 1-855-899-9600 to start getting your premium tax credits in advance. You can also switch plans.

• If you receive unemployment benefits in 2021:
  • Call Vermont Health Connect at 1-855-899-9600 and tell us you received unemployment in 2021. You’ll get extra financial help.
  • Login to your account or call us at 1-855-899-9600 to start getting your premium tax credits in advance.

• Have COBRA coverage:
  • You don’t need to do anything. The federal government will pay your COBRA premiums through September 2021. If your COBRA coverage has not yet started, you can enroll through Vermont Health Connect instead.
  • Decide if you want to enroll in Vermont Health Connect coverage when the federal government stops paying your COBRA premium after September 2021.

• Have job-based insurance:
  • You don’t need to do anything. People with affordable job-based insurance can’t get financial help through Vermont Health Connect.

• Have Medicaid or Medicare:
  • You don’t need to do anything. People with Medicaid or Medicare can’t get premium tax credits.