BENEFIT ASSISTANCE
Helping working Vermonters access benefits and stay healthy
You’ve likely heard about changes to Medicaid and 3SquaresVT and may be wondering how your employees will be impacted. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. United Way’s Working Bridges program is partnering with a coalition of community organizations to help Vermonters keep and access the benefits and resources they need for health, food security, and financial stability.
Community-Based Benefit Assistance is Available
Community-based benefit assistance is available through coalition partners, including Hunger Free Vermont, Vermont Parent Child Center Network, Community Action agencies, Working Bridges and Vermont Free and Referral Clinics. Together, we are meeting Vermonters where they are to help make sure no one falls through the cracks as changes to Medicaid and 3SquaresVT take effect.
Some benefit changes take effect October 1, 2026, including limits on eligibility for some immigrants. Additional changes take effect January 1, 2027, including 6-month renewal periods as well as work or community engagement requirements. There are many exemptions which trained benefit assisters can help identify.
Employees who receive a benefits notice, have questions about new rules, or want to apply for support can dial 211 to connect with a benefit assister in their community.
How Working Bridges Can Help Employers & Employees
United Way’s Working Bridges program is built to support employers and employees through moments like this. The program is available through United Way of Northwest Vermont and Green Mountain United Way. Working Bridges partners with more than 30 employers across northern Vermont, helping employees navigate resources that support stable employment and helping employers respond to diverse workforce needs.
Working Bridges Resource Coordinators are trained benefit assisters who can meet one-on-one with employees to help them understand Medicaid and 3SquaresVT changes, respond to notices, and connect with other resources. They can also help employers understand what is changing and how to share clear information with their teams.
Working Bridges also connects employees with other community resources including housing, childcare, transportation, and financial coaching to support stability. The program also offers employer training on topics such as benefit cliffs, life issues at work, financial wellness, mental health, substance misuse prevention, and more.
What Employers Can Do to Help Employees Stay Healthy and Connected
Employers can help employees stay connected to benefits by making information easy to find, giving employees time to respond to notices, and connecting them with trusted support. Here are a few practical steps:
Create space in work during open enrollment for employees to apply for benefits or respond to notifications.
Promote Vermont 211 as a go-to resource for benefit assistance.
Refer employees to patient financial services available through local clinics and hospitals.