The state says new state health insurance premiums have not caused a notable decline in enrollment in several Medicaid programs.
In March, almost 98 percent of premium-paying participants remained in Doctor Dynasaur, Vermont’s health insurance program for children. Ninety-six percent of the premium-paying participants also remained in the Vermont Health Access Program for adults.
A bigger drop-off came in the prescription drug program, which imposed a premium for the first time in January. Last month, 93 percent of all participants were still enrolled.
The premiums came about as a compromise after Governor Jim Douglas proposed increasing co-payments and deductibles. The premiums are expected to raise $14 million this year.