This message was sent to retirees on October 31, 2025.

Dear UVM Retirees,

I am writing to share an important update regarding Medigap plans available through Via Benefits. On Wednesday, October 29, Humana informed us it has paused offering its plans through Via Benefits. This was unexpected and the situation continues to evolve; Humana has indicated it will provide additional information next week.

I want to acknowledge the uncertainty and frustration many of you have experienced regarding health insurance in recent years. The healthcare landscape has shifted rapidly and not always with the clarity you deserve. As members of the UVM community who have dedicated years—often decades—of service, you deserve stability, transparency, and access to high-quality coverage. 

Over the past few years, retiree healthcare options have been disrupted repeatedly. In 2024, Cigna terminated its contract with UVM a year early, with six months’ notice. While seeking options for 2025, several group plan insurers declined to provide quotes. UVM partnered with Vermont Blue Advantage for 2025, but we later learned the provider will not sell group or individual plans in Vermont for 2026.

This instability is part of why UVM moved to a marketplace model through Via Benefits. The marketplace offers flexibility to meet diverse needs, and Via Benefits provides personalized, expert support that is essential during transitions. While no change is without challenges, I continue to believe this model offers the best path forward for our retirees.

Humana’s decision underscores a broader national issue: access to coverage is becoming more limited, especially in rural states with already low insurer participation. Vermont—home to nearly 2,000 UVM retirees and dependents—is particularly vulnerable given our aging population and some of the highest healthcare costs in the country.

While we cannot control the decisions of national insurers or rising healthcare costs, we will continue to advocate for you. Since learning of Humana’s decision, we have been in daily contact with Via Benefits to gather accurate, up-to-date information and ensure you have the support you need.

What this means for you:

• If you have already enrolled in a Humana plan for 2026: Your coverage will not be affected by this change.
• If your Humana application is pending:  We expect an update on your enrollment status next week.
• If you have not yet selected a plan: Please connect with a Via Benefits adviser as soon as possible to ensure you have coverage in place by the deadline in your enrollment materials.

We will continue to communicate as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and for the strength and resilience you consistently show as a community. We’ve navigated many changes together, and we will navigate this one as well.

Sincerely,

Lindsey P. Melo
Interim Chief Human Resources Officer