If you are eligible for Medicare due to age or disability, UVM provides access to Medicare coverage through Via Benefits. Via Benefits offers access to Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and prescription drug plans available in your area and provides personalized support from licensed benefit advisors.
Eligible retirees may receive a UVM contribution toward the cost of coverage through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).
Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 - December 10. UVM will be announcing HRA Contribution Rates by October 1.
How Coverage Works
Step 1: Enroll Through Via Benefits
Retirees who qualify for a UVM contribution must enroll in their medical coverage through Via Benefits in order to receive HRA funding. Via Benefits can help you compare plans and enroll in coverage that best meets your needs.
Via Benefits Phone: 1-833-858-4990 (TTY 711) Website: my.viabenefits.com/uvm
Step 2: UVM Funds Your HRA
If you are eligible for retiree medical cost sharing, UVM provides its contribution through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).
Each year, UVM establishes a Standard Premium amount. UVM's contribution is based on this amount and your retiree cost-share percentage.
Step 3: Receive Reimbursement
Your annual UVM contribution is deposited into your HRA and can be used to reimburse eligible health insurance premiums and other qualified expenses.
UVM Contributions and Standard Premium
Each year, UVM in consultation with the University Benefits Advisory Council, establishes a Standard Premium that represents the benchmark used to calculate retiree medical contributions.
Your annual UVM contribution is determined by:
- The Standard Premium established for that year
- Your retiree cost-share percentage
Example
If the annual Standard Premium equates to $308 per month and your retiree cost share is 25%, UVM would contribute 75% of the Standard Premium, or $231 per month, to your HRA
Please note: Your contribution is fixed for the year. The Standard Premium is established annually and UVM's contribution remains fixed for that calendar year.
Your selected medical plan's premium may increase during the year. If that occurs, any increase above UVM's established contribution amount is your responsibility. UVM's HRA contribution will not be adjusted until the next annual review of the Standard Premium.
Why Via Benefits
Through Via Benefits, retirees receive:
- Access to a wide range of Medicare plans
- One-on-one support from Medicare specialists
- Assistance with enrollment and annual plan reviews
- Ongoing advocacy and customer support after enrollment
Resources
Contact Via Benefits
- Visit Via Benefits website
- Call 1‑833-858-4990
HRA Reimbursement Guide
Medicare Enrollment Resources
Medicare 101
Helping You Prepare for Medicare Enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to enroll through Via Benefits to receive my HRA?
Yes. Enrollees who were on UVM's Medicare-eligible group coverage must enroll in a plan through Via Benefits in order to access your HRA. Any retirees or dependents who had waived UVM's group coverage and were already enrolled in an individual plan prior to this transition are encouraged to reach out to HRInfo@uvm.edu for details about your specific situation.
How does UVM contribute to the premium cost?
UVM has determined a premium amount referred to as the “base” or “standard” premium. This represents the average cost of the total monthly premiums for health plans with benefits most like our current plan. For 2026 that monthly amount is determined to be $308/month. Each month UVM will deposit a percentage of the base premium amount, equivalent to the percentage of your premium it currently pays, into a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
Example: If your cost-share is 25%, that means UVM will contribute 75% of the base premium. In 2026, UVM will contribute 75% of $308, or $231, into the HRA every month.
How do I set up my HRA Reimbursement?
HRAs cannot be set up until January. After you have completed enrollment for your new 2026 coverage with Via Benefits, you should receive confirmation of this enrollment and new ID cards in the mail from your chosen carrier. After you have enrolled, HRA reimbursement packets will begin mailing in early-mid December. This packet will provide additional directions from Via Benefits on how to activate your HRA and set up direct deposit. While you may have provided your banking information to arrange payment for your new coverage, this information will need to be provided again now that your application has been accepted by the carrier.
Do I get dental coverage through Via Benefits?
UVM's dental coverage is still offered through Delta Dental. You can learn more about this benefit for retirees on the Dental Benefits for Retirees page.
I'm not getting the support I need. Who can help?
You can contact Via Benefits at 1-833-858-4990 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or visit my.viabenefits.com/uvm. If you are struggling with a Via Benefits representative for any reason, you may ask to be transferred to a different representative or request a call back from a supervisor.
If you are continue to experience challenges, UVM is still here for you. Please reach out to HR Info at HRInfo@uvm.edu or (802) 656-3150 so we can get you connected to the right people in a timely manner.