The following message was sent to retirees on Friday, November 7, 2025.

 

Dear UVM Retirees,

My name is Alicia Estey. I am UVM’s new Vice President for Finance, Administration and Human Resources. 

Because of increasing volatility in the health insurance market, earlier this year the university made the decision to move from a group retiree medical plan to providing stipends for retirees to purchase individual Medicare plans. After a competitive RFP process, UVM selected Via Benefits to provide support to retirees through the transition to individual plans and beyond. 

I am encouraged to hear that over 1,200 retirees have successfully enrolled in coverage for 2026. However, I am also aware that for some of you, this transition has not gone smoothly. For that, I am truly sorry. You should not have to chase answers or navigate this transition without the support to make the best decision for your unique circumstances. We can, and will, do better.

Here is what we are doing now: 


1. Improving communication 

  • We are in the process of building a more robust FAQ on the retiree benefits page that will be updated as new issues present themselves. The FAQ will include instructions on who to call or email based on the specific issue that needs to be addressed.  
  • We will send more frequent updates by email to keep you abreast of emerging issues; we have also posted all email updates on our Retiree website.
  • If you prefer to receive important updates by mail, please notify Benefits Director Caitlyn Sisler at caitlyn.sisler@uvm.edu.

​​​​​2. Defining a clear escalation path when you need help 

Working with Via Benefits: While Via Benefits has been responsive to feedback about service concerns, we want to be certain that you know how to escalate unresolved issues. 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.  

Working with UVM: If your concerns remain unresolved with Via Benefits, please contact our UVM benefits team using the escalation path below: 

  1. Primary Contact 
    Caitlyn Sisler (she/her)
    Director of Benefits, Human Resources 
    University of Vermont 
    228 Waterman Building | 85 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05405 
    (802) 656-3103 | caitlyn.sisler@uvm.edu  
  2. Secondary Contact (if urgent and you cannot reach Caitlyn) 
    Lindsey Melo (she/her) 
    Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources 
    University of Vermont 
    228 Waterman Building | 85 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05405 
    (802) 656-7987 | lindsey.melo@uvm.edu      
  3. Final Escalation 
    Alicia Estey (she/her) 
    Vice President for Finance, Administration and Human Resources 
    University of Vermont 
    350B Waterman Building | 85 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05405 
    (802) 656-3441 | alicia.estey@uvm.edu 

I know trust is earned by actions, not words. My commitment is to communicate frequently and plainly, fix what isn’t working, and make sure you have the support you need to choose coverage that fits your circumstances. 

Thank you again for all you have given to UVM. 

With appreciation, 

Alicia Shier Estey 
Vice President for Finance, Administration and Human Resources 
University of Vermont