Women's Health: Learn Your Coverage, Ask Your Questions, Get Your Care Covered

• You have the right to submit a complaint or request an external appeal if you are having trouble with your health insurance, benefits, or coverage for health services.
• You can file a complaint if your health plan isn’t providing the benefits or coverage it is required to offer. This includes issues like:
  • Denied claims
  • Unexpected out-of-pocket costs
  • Problems with pharmacy benefits
  • Difficulty getting coverage for long-term care or Medicare supplement benefits
• DFR can only address complaints related to insurance companies, agents, and adjusters regulated in Vermont. We cannot resolve issues outside of our jurisdiction or act without patient authorization when a provider files on your behalf.
• Visit the Consumer Complaints Portal FAQ for more information.
• Use the links below to submit a complaint to Vermont DFR based on your situation. You can file a complaint online, in person, or by mail.
  • If your insurance plan charges you incorrect out-of-pocket costs for covered services: How to File an Insurance Complaint
  • If your insurance plan denies coverage for a covered health service: Request an external appeal
  • If your Pharmacy Benefit Manager denies coverage for a prescription: File a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Complaint

• Vermont state laws  require state-regulated health plans to cover telehealth (virtual) services at the same level as if the services were delivered in-person.
• Telehealth appointments may be available for preventive and reproductive care, such as prescription refills and birth control counseling.
• Find virtual care options through your insurer:
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont
    • Visit https://www.bluecrossvt.org/
    • Select “Find a Doctor” in the top header.
    • Scroll down and click “Telemedicine Care.” This page explains what services may be available via telehealth.
    • To make an appointment, scroll to the section titled “Getting Started – Register Before You Need Care.”
    • Choose the device you plan to use and follow the instructions.
    • If using a computer, select “Computer” and follow the link to sign in or sign up for Amwell, where you can schedule and attend a telehealth visit.
  • MVP Health Care
    • Visit https://www.mvphealthcare.com/
    • Select “Find Care” in the top header.
    • Scroll to the section titled “Choosing the Right Kind of Care.”
    • Select “Virtual Care” to learn about MVP’s telehealth options.
    • To make an appointment, download the Gia by MVP mobile app, which provides access to virtual urgent care, primary care, and other telehealth services.
  • Cigna Healthcare
    • Visit https://www.cigna.com/
    • Select “Find a Doctor” in the top header.
    • Choose your type of coverage (Employer plan, Individual & Family plan, Medicare, etc.).
    • Enter your location.
    • Select “Doctor by Type” and use the search bar to enter “Telehealth” or “Virtual” to find providers offering virtual visits under your plan.
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​See your insurance card or documents for contact information if your insurer is not on this list.

• Find health care providers through your insurance plan
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Vermont
    • Visit https://www.bluecrossvt.org/
    • Select “Find a Doctor” in the header to browse in‑network doctors, hospitals, and facilities from different specialties.
  • MVP Health Care
    • Visit https://www.mvphealthcare.com/
    • Select “Find Care” in the header to search for medical, dental, and vision providers, and get guidance on the type of care you need.
  • Cigna Healthcare
    • Visit https://www.cigna.com/
    • Select “Find a Doctor” in the header. Choose your type of coverage, then search for in‑network providers by location and specialty.
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​See your insurance card or documents for contact information if your insurer is not on this list.
• Explore community health resources
  • Vermont 211 is a free information and referral service that connects people with essential community resources.
    • Visit https://vermont211.org/
    • Click “Search Here for Help” on the homepage to open the online resource directory.
    • Use the search bar to type in the service or keyword you need. Add your location to see nearby services or leave it blank to search statewide.
    • Scroll down to browse by topic to explore categories instead of using the search bar.
    • If you prefer to talk to someone, you can call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 for live assistance.
  • Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) provides a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care, including:
    • • Birth control
      • STI testing and treatment
      • Abortion services
      • Menopause care
    • PPNNE operates six health centers across Vermont (in Rutland, Brattleboro, Barre, Burlington, Williston, and White River Junction). They accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, MVP, and Cigna.

• Vermont Health Connect is Vermont’s official health insurance marketplace. Visit the site to stay up to date on health insurance changes, compare plans, apply for financial help, and manage your coverage
• Access Plan is a health insurance program for Vermonters who need family planning and family planning related services.
• Contact your employer to see if health insurance is available as an employee benefit.

Learn more about reproductive rights and resources in Vermont:

• Vermont Commission on Women published the Legal Rights of Women in Vermont, including a chapter about reproductive rights. 
• Vermont Department of Health reproductive health information and resources.