Office of Health Care Ombudsman
PO Box 1367
Burlington, VT 05402
Phone/TTY: 1-800-917-7787
Fax: 802-863-7152Our office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 to 4:30.
The Vermont legislature created the Office of Health Care Ombudsman (HCO) in January of 1999. The HCO advocates for individual Vermonters with health care and health insurance issues. We also track and study trends in health care, comment on federal and state health care regulations and recommend needed changes to Vermont's health care policies.
Specially trained advocates work at the HCO. They are experienced in dealing with different kinds of health care and health insurance problems.
Yes. The HCO advocates for uninsured Vermonters.
You should call the HCO when you have a problem with your health care or health insurance and do not know how to solve it.
The HCO helps Vermonters appeal decisions made by their health insurance. We also answer questions about any type of health insurance-managed care, employer-sponsored plans (including self-insured plans), small group plans, large group plans, individual coverage, Medicaid, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur and Medicare.
Access to Care Are you having trouble getting prescription drugs, dental care, behavioral health or health care that you need? Is your health insurance refusing to pay for the health care that you need? Were you denied health care because you didn't have health insurance?
Billing Problems Is a hospital, doctor or other health care provider billing you for health care that your health insurance should have paid for? Are you unable to pay your medical bills?
Access to Health Insurance Are you looking for health insurance? Have you been denied health insurance? Do you need help understanding your health insurance options in Vermont? Do you want to know more about state health care programs?
No. Our services are free to all Vermonters.