Vermont CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Vermont CHIP

For current eligibility thresholds and enrollment, visit https://dvha.vermont.gov. CHIP and Medicaid applications are processed together in most states — apply once and both programs are considered.

Dr. Dynasaur covers Vermont children up to 312% FPL — one of the highest income limits in the country

Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program covers children under age 19 through Medicaid and CHIP at income levels up to 312% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply through Vermont Health Connect at portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov or call 1-855-899-9600. A single application determines which program covers your child.

What Dr. Dynasaur is

Dr. Dynasaur is Vermont's integrated children's health coverage program, combining Medicaid and CHIP coverage for children under age 19. The program covers children at income levels up to 312% FPL — a family of four earning up to approximately $100,000 per year qualifies their children for coverage in 2026. Vermont does not separate Medicaid and CHIP into different programs for families — Dr. Dynasaur spans both.

At 312% FPL, Vermont's children's coverage threshold is among the highest of any state. For context, the national ACA-expansion Medicaid threshold for adults is 138% FPL, and most states' CHIP upper limits are in the 200–250% FPL range. Vermont's ability to maintain this level reflects its Global Commitment to Health 1115 waiver flexibility.

Who qualifies for Dr. Dynasaur

Child must be under age 19
Must be a Vermont resident
Must be a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant
Household income at or below 312% FPL — approximately $98,800/year for a family of 4 in 2026 (verify current figure with DVHA)
Children in families over 312% FPL may qualify for subsidized commercial coverage through Vermont Health Connect

Source: DVHA Vermont Medicaid Programs page (dvha.vermont.gov/members). Dollar income threshold is based on 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines applied at 312% — verify the exact current figure at dvha.vermont.gov or by calling 1-855-899-9600.

Dr. Dynasaur benefits

Dr. Dynasaur provides comprehensive coverage equivalent to Vermont Medicaid for children, with EPSDT-scope dental and vision included. Cost-sharing is minimal or absent for most children at lower income levels. Federal CHIP rules cap annual family cost-sharing at 5% of family income for families above the Medicaid threshold.

Well-child visits and developmental screenings
Immunizations
Doctor visits and specialist referrals
Emergency and urgent care
Inpatient hospital care
Prescriptions
Dental care (comprehensive EPSDT scope)
Vision care and eyeglasses
Mental health and substance use treatment
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Home health services when medically necessary

How to apply for Dr. Dynasaur

Apply through Vermont Health Connect at portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov. The system determines whether your child qualifies for Vermont Medicaid (lower-income range) or Dr. Dynasaur CHIP coverage (above the Medicaid threshold up to 312% FPL). You do not need to determine this in advance — one application covers both.

Call 1-855-899-9600 or contact a local Assister (findable at info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/find-local-help/find) for help with the application. Paper applications are also available at info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/how-apply/paper-applications.

What CHIP is

CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. Congress created CHIP in 1997 under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Like Medicaid, CHIP is jointly funded by the federal government and each state, and each state administers its own program.

CHIP serves children up to age 19 (some states cover to 21 for children in foster care). It is not available to adults — CHIP is specifically designed to address the coverage gap for children in working families.

Nationally, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children, according to CMS data. In most states, it is a seamless part of the broader children's health coverage system alongside Medicaid.

What CHIP covers

Federal law requires CHIP to cover certain core benefits. States may add to the list. Standard CHIP coverage includes:

Doctor visits, including well-child checkups and sick visits
Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
Emergency room and urgent care services
Prescription drug coverage
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Dental care — preventive and restorative
Vision care, including eye exams and glasses
Laboratory and imaging services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids when medically necessary

How to apply for Vermont CHIP

Apply through Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care) — the same application covers both Medicaid and CHIP. Online applications are typically fastest and allow document uploads. You can also apply by phone or in person at a local eligibility office.

See the how to apply page for the complete application process, required documents, and what to expect during review.

CHIP and Medicaid income ranges overlap — apply regardless

If you're not sure whether your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, apply anyway. The eligibility system determines which program applies based on your income. A child who earns out of Medicaid may qualify for CHIP, and vice versa. Don't let uncertainty about which program applies prevent you from applying.