2026 Medical Plan Information
In order to provide expanded choice and one-on-one assistance from Medicare experts, the University is transitioning Medicare-eligible enrollees from a group plan to individual marketplace coverage, effective January 1, 2026.
Learn more about the transition, including action you need to take and answers to frequently asked questions on the Transitioning to Medicare Marketplace page.
Vermont Blue Advantage (VBA) Plan Information
Retirees aged 65+ are Medicare eligible and may enroll in Vermont Blue Advantage PPO (VBA) for comprehensive medical insurance. To enroll, retirees must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. The Vermont Blue Advantage PPO (VBA) offers medical coverage, as well as prescription drug coverage through Optum Rx®, vision coverage through VSP®, and hearing coverage through NationsHearing®.
VBA Medical Premium Information
The total monthly premium is the amount shared between both you and UVM. Each retiree has a different cost share percentage that is applied to the total monthly premium.
How to calculate your 2025 medical premium
For retirees or dependents aged 65+, the total monthly premium for an individual on Vermont Blue Advantage plan is $414.00. To determine your cost share for medical insurance coverage, multiply the total monthly premium by your cost share percentage.
Example Calculation: If your cost share is 22% that means UVM pays 78% of the total monthly premium. You would do the following calculation:
$414.00 × 0.22 = $91.08 per month
How to Make a Payment
UVM handles the billing and accounting for all retiree healthcare premium invoices and bills on a monthly basis. If you are able, UVM strongly encourages you to pay 6 to 12 months in advance. If you do, you will not receive a monthly invoice until your credit balance is fully used.
There are two ways to make a payment:
Mail a check: Personal, cashier, certified, money orders, or traveler's checks made payable to UVM with your ID (95 number) included in the memo may be mailed to: UVM P.O. Box 1306 Williston, VT 05495
Automatic bank withdrawals: 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 premiums on a certain date. There is processing time on the bank’s side that should be taken into consideration when choosing the payment date. Automatic payments are typically the easiest and safest way to ensure that your bill gets paid. Many banks offer this service for free.
What you need to provide your bank:
- Payee Name: University of Vermont
- Mailing Address: UVM, P.O. Box 1306, Williston, VT 05495
- Student ID #: This is a nine-digit number that begins with “95”.
- This ID# needs to be indicated on all payments in order for it to be credited to your account.
- The date you want the bill paid each month.
Please note: At this time, UVM has no way to set up a monthly debit to withdraw funds from your account.
VBA Reimbursement Forms
Vermont Blue Advantage utilizes different forms for reimbursement, depending on the care you received. When seeking reimbursement, please choose the appropriate form below.
- Medical Form | Member Reimbursement Form (PDF) is used to request reimbursement of covered medical expenses when payment was made directly to your provider.
- Vision From | VSP Vision Reimbursement Form (PDF) is used for vision services from an out-of-network eye doctor.
- Hearing Form | Nations Hearing Reimbursement Form (PDF) is used to request reimbursement of covered hearing expenses.
VBA Coverage Change Form
How to enroll: You are eligible to enroll in VBA if you are turning 65 years old or if you experience a qualifying life event. To enroll, complete and return the Vermont Blue Advantage Enrollment Form.
How to opt-out: You are eligible to opt-out if you experience a qualifying life event. To opt-out, complete and return the Vermont Blue Advantage Opt-Out Form.
Resources
- Medicare Advantage Specialists - 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).
- 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.
- Preventive Care Guide - This guide breaks down care by age for the recommended age-appropriate screenings and tests.
- 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.
- Medicare Advantage Letter from VBA (PDF)
- Non-Discrimination Notice (PDF)
- Medicare Star Ratings (PDF)