Human Resources

Medicare-Eligible Medical Benefits

UVM offers Medical Coverage for Medicare-Eligible Retirees and Spouses through Via Benefits. Depending on your eligibility, UVM may contribute to the cost of your health insurance through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).

If you are eligible for Medicare due to age or disability, you can enroll in a plan through the University’s partnership with Via Benefits. Call Via Benefits at 1-833-858-4990 (TTY: 711) or visit my.viabenefits.com/uvm to schedule an appointment with an advisor who specializes in Medicare.

In order to provide expanded choice and one-on-one assistance from Medicare experts, the University transitioned 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.

Specialized Support and Expanded Choice with Via Benefits

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You are not required to enroll in coverage through Via Benefits; however, individuals who qualify for a cost-share must elect their coverage through Via Benefits in order to receive these funds. By working with Via Benefits, you gain access to Medicare‑focused benefit advisors who can help you compare and enroll in Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans on the individual Medicare marketplace.

These advisors provide unbiased, one‑on‑one guidance and can help you understand how Medicare works alongside private insurance. Moving from a group plan to the marketplace also gives you and any Medicare‑eligible dependents greater flexibility—each person can choose a plan that fits their own health needs, location, and budget.

Via Benefits continues to support you after enrollment with lifetime advocacy, including help with claims questions and annual plan reviews. Assistance is available by phone or through an easy-to-use online portal whenever you need it.

UVM Contributions & Cost share

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UVM contributes to the cost of coverage for eligible participants through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). You can use the HRA to help pay for your new plan’s premiums and other eligible out-of-pocket expenses.

UVM, in consultation with the University Benefits Advisory Council, 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. The determined amount for 2026 is $308/month. Each month UVM will deposit its cost-share percentage into a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Base premiums will be assessed annually.

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.

2025 Coverage Information

Overview - Vermont Blue Advantage (VBA)
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Overview

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

Billing & Reimbursement
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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:

  1. Payee Name: University of Vermont
  2. Mailing Address: UVM, P.O. Box 1306, Williston, VT 05495
  3. Student ID #: This is a nine-digit number that begins with “95”.
  4. This ID# needs to be indicated on all payments in order for it to be credited to your account.
  5. 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.

Reimbursement

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

Resources
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Retiree Benefits Menu