This message was sent to retirees on October 20, 2025

Dear UVM Retiree,

The University of Vermont remains committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our retirees. Thank you for your patience and collaboration while we navigate changes, especially around the evolving health care landscape. In order to best support you, we are writing today to provide some updates and resources.
 

Point of Contact for Healthcare Inquiries for Medicare-Eligible Retirees

We kindly ask that Medicare-eligible retirees contact Via Benefits directly with any questions about Open Enrollment for 2026. Via Benefits can:

  • Review the plans available to you and help you understand your options, associated costs, and enrollment steps
  • Confirm your Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) amount
  • Help you schedule an appointment with a licensed Benefit Advisor
  • Help you login to the Via Benefits online portal

Stay Informed

We understand there may be some confusion or incomplete information circulating about retiree benefits and open enrollment. To make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date details about your coverage and HRA, please call Via Benefits directly.

You can reach Via Benefits by phone at 1-833-858-4990 or by visiting my.viabenefits.com/uvm. Please note that Via Benefits may also reach out to you by phone to schedule an appointment. This is a legitimate outreach related to your benefits and will come from 1-833-858-4990.

In addition, the Intro to Via Benefits Guide was mailed on October 16 to all Medicare-eligible retirees. The benefits guide will help you prepare for your Medicare coverage enrollment and will include the exact amount of your HRA.


Via Benefits Resources

Important Reminders

  • If you are Medicare-eligible and interested in enrolling in the BCBS VT Blue 65 plan, please contact Via Benefits for additional information. They will provide a separate link for enrollment.
  • There are no changes to dental coverage for 2026. Eligible retirees may continue enrollment in UVM’s group plan with Delta Dental.
  • UVM’s group BCBS medical plan (PPO1) remains available for eligible retirees and dependents under age 65. Please note that this plan will have a 5% premium increase for 2026.

Staffing Update

Effective October 20, 2025, Liv Townsend, Retiree and Employee Engagement Coordinator, has transitioned away from the Human Resources team to pursue another opportunity within the university. We are grateful for Liv’s contributions in supporting and engaging our retiree community. Moving forward, please contact the HR Info Team for general questions or support by phone 802-656-3150 or email hrinfo@uvm.edu.

Thank you again for your time and effort throughout this transition.

Sincerely,

Lindsey P. Melo
Interim Chief Human Resources Officer