Vermont CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program
Updated August 2026
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.
312%
FPL income limit — among the highest in the U.S.
Dr. Dynasaur
Program name (combined Medicaid + CHIP)
~$100,308/yr
Approx. income ceiling for a family of 4 (2025 FPL)
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. A single application through Vermont Health Connect determines which program covers your child.
What Dr. Dynasaur is
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
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.
- 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 $100,308/year ($8,359/month) for a family of 4, per the 2025 Dr. Dynasaur premium income table (effective April 1, 2025; verify current figure with DVHA)
- Children in families over 312% FPL may qualify for subsidized commercial coverage through Vermont Health Connect
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
As of 2025, Vermont Health Connect has suspended Dr. Dynasaur monthly premiums indefinitely — families are not currently required to pay the $15, $20, or $60 per-family premium shown in older program materials, regardless of income tier. Confirm current status at dvha.vermont.gov or 1-855-899-9600, since this is a policy change rather than a permanent program feature.
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.
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.
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.
Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care)
- Apply for Vermont Medicaid and Dr. Dynasaur: portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov
- Vermont Health Connect phone line: 1-855-899-9600
- Department of Vermont Health Access: dvha.vermont.gov
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