Retiree Resources | Human Resources | The University of Vermont(title)

Thank you for your years of service at UVM! Our retiree resource page is here to connect you to the information most valuable and pertinent to you, including your medical coverage, savings accounts, other benefits, and ways to engage in the Catamount community.

Upcoming Changes to Medicare Advantage Plan

UVM’s contract with Cigna Medicare Advantage plan ends on December 31, 2024 and we have entered a contract with Vermont Blue Advantage effective January 1, 2025. To be eligible for the Vermont Blue Advantage plan, you must be eligible for Medicare and be enrolled in Part A and Part B. 

Vermont Blue Advantage (VBA)

Plan Overview

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The Vermont Blue Advantage plan will be effective on January 1, 2025. To be eligible for the Vermont Blue Advantage plan, you must be eligible for Medicare and be enrolled in Part A and Part B.  

Detailed information about the plan can be found at the Benefits-at-a-Glance (PDF) and the Medicare Advantage letter (PDF) from Vermont Blue Advantage.

The table outlines the plan’s benefits, including deductibles, copays, vision, hearing, and prescription. 

Coverage ElementCost

Medical Deductible 

$1,000 annual deductible (Resets in January) 

Medical Out-of-Pocket Max 

$2,000 annually 

Preventive Care 

$0 copay (Over 30 screenings and services) 

Primary Care Provider/Routine Office Visit 

$25 copay 

Specialist, Psychiatric, Urgent Care, Chiropractor 

$30 copay 

Emergency 

$100 copay 

Inpatient and Outpatient Care in a Hospital  

Deductible applies 

Home Health, Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Facility Care 

Deductible applies 

Medical Equipment & Supplies & Part B Drugs 

Deductible and 20% coinsurance apply 

Diabetic Equipment & Supplies 

$0 copay 

Vision services through VSP®  

$0 copay (Vision exam)  
$250 allowance (Vision materials) 

Hearing services through NationsHearing® 

$0 copay (Hearing exams) 
$3,000 (Hearing aid benefit, every 24 months) 

Fitness through SilverSneakers®  

Free fitness center membership. Visit any participating fitness center or join online classes from home. 

Prescription Drug through Optum Rx® 

$150 deductible 
$5 copay (generic), $25 copay (preferred brand name), $40 copay (non-preferred brand name) 

 

Plan Cost

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The total monthly premium for the Vermont Blue Advantage plan is $414.00. The total monthly premium is the amount shared between both you and UVM. 

On October 31st, UVM sent individualized letters to retirees about open enrollment. The letter included your cost share percentage as well as the total monthly premium for the plan. Each retiree has a different cost share amount. 

Here’s how to determine your cost share for medical insurance coverage:

Calculate Your Monthly Cost Share: Multiply the total monthly premium by your cost share percentage noted in your letter from October 31.  

  • Example Calculation: If your cost share is 22%, you would do the following calculation: 
    • Age 65 and over (Vermont Blue Advantage): $414.00 × 0.22 = $91.08 per person

Plan Resources

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  • Vermont Blue Advantage Overview Session Presentation Slides (PDF) - This is the slide show presented on Wednesday, Oct 16th during the in-person and virtual information sessions. 

  • Transition Call Center - From November 1 to November 30, Vermont Blue Advantage transition call center will help answer any questions you have. Call 1-833-668-0280 (TTY:711), Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm eastern time.  

  • Medicare Advantage Specialists - Starting December 1, Vermont Blue Advantage Medicare specialists will help answer any questions you have. Call 1-800-572-0280 (TTY: 711). For pharmacy questions, call our prescription drug specialists at 1-855-489-0646 (TTY: 711). 

  • Find a doctor or pharmacy - Enter the plan prefix "V4B" with your zip code to find a doctor or pharmacy in your area.

  • Multi-language Interpreter Services (PDF) - Free interpreter services to answer any questions you may have. To get an interpreter, just call us at 1-833-668-0280.

  • Additional Documents - Non-Discrimination Notice (PDF) and Medicare Star Ratings (PDF)

Open Enrollment

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Open enrollment for 2025 is from Wednesday, November 6, 2024, to Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Retirees currently enrolled in the Cigna Medicare Advantage plan will automatically be enrolled in the Vermont Blue Advantage plan on January 1, 2025.   

How to opt-out

If you are currently enrolled in the Cigna Medicare Advantage plan and do not wish to enroll in the Vermont Blue Advantage plan, you will need to complete and return the Medical Insurance Opt-Out Form by Wednesday, November 27, 2024.  

How to enroll

If you are not currently enrolled in the Cigna Medicare Advantage plan and wish to enroll in the Vermont Blue Advantage plan, you will need to complete and return the Vermont Blue Advantage Enrollment Form by Wednesday, November 27, 2024.   

VIDEO: Oct. 16, 2024 Plan Overview Session

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This is a recording from the October 16th plan overview session. You can also view the presentation slides (PDF) for this meeting.

Healthcare Benefits

Aged 65+ Medical Insurance
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Retirees aged 65+ are Medicare eligible and may enroll in Cigna True Choice Medicare Advantage Plan for comprehensive medical insurance. To enroll please contact HRinfo@uvm.edu to set up a meeting with a Benefit Advisor. To opt out of coverage, please fill out the Cigna Opt-Out Form (PDF).

Plan information

The summary of benefits offers a description of your benefits under this plan. Bookmark this page or keep this plan accessible for reference.

Additional Resources:

Reimbursement forms

Cigna Medicare Advantage Plan utilizes different forms for reimbursement, depending on the care you received. When seeking reimbursement, please choose the appropriate form below.

Aged 64 and Under Medical Insurance
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Retirees under the age of 65 who are Medicare ineligible may retain the same Blue Cross Blue Shield Open Access Plan from their time of employment. 

Dental Insurance
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The University of Vermont offers two levels of dental coverage through Delta Dental to eligible retirees:

  1. Base Option - No cost for most retirees.
  2. High Option - If applicable, United Academics retirees may be responsible for paying 10% of the Base coverage cost and a High Option premium (if enrolled).
Billing Process
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UVM bills retiree healthcare on a monthly basis. UVM handles the billing and accounting for all retiree healthcare premium invoices. If a retiree fails to pay their account on time, Education Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI) will work with the reitree to complete payments.

If you are able, UVM strongly encourages you to pay six to 12 months in advance. If you do, you will not receive a monthly invoice until your credit balance is fully used.

Forms of payment

If your bank has an electronic bill paying service, you may wish to set up your bank account to make automatic payments to UVM for your healthcare premium. This is typically the easiest and safest way to ensure that your bill gets paid. Many banks offer this service for free. If yours does not or if you choose not to use it, you can continue to pay as you always have.

Please note: At this time, UVM has no way to set up a monthly debit to withdraw funds from your account.

 

Retiree Health Savings Plan
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UVM's Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP) was established to help eligible retirees pay for qualified healthcare expenses during their time of employment. 

Accessing your RHSP

Can you still contribute to your RHSP?

Questions?

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Questions about your plans, cost share, or other details? Send us an email (hrinfo@uvm.edu) or call (802) 656-3150.