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.

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.  

Please also note the Via Benefits app, where you will be able to track your reimbursements and submit one-off items, will not be available to use until your plan is active in January 2026.

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.

Yes. If you were on UVM's Medicare-eligible group coverage, you are entitled to a special enrollment period with rights to guaranteed issue.

We are aware that some plans ask enrollees to to verify conditions that state the plan will not pay benefits for stays or medical expenses incurred within the first three months of coverage if they are due to conditions treated or advised on by a physician within three months prior to the insurance effective date. Our enrollees have an exception to this condition. You can click "verify" and know that UVM has an exception letter on file, if needed.

You may be able to complete your enrollment online in an hour. If you would like a benefit advisor’s help, plan on about 45 minutes to complete your Medicare assessment, and then additional time of up to 30 minutes to complete your applications. Your call may be shorter if you complete your personal profile in advance. Remember, you can also complete your applications online to save time.

Please note that if you are put on hold at the time of your appointment, it is because an advisor is finalizing an enrollment with another retiree. You will be given the same courtesy if you need additional time in completing your enrollment.

You can find more details on enrolling in coverage in the Via Benefits Enrollment Resources section below.

During the Medicare enrollment period, call volumes are especially high, so you may experience longer-than-usual wait times. To help you reach a representative more quickly:

• Call from the number UVM has on file for you. Via Benefits uses that number to recognize you and move your call to the front of the line.
• If someone is calling on your behalf, have them use your phone if possible. This will ensure your call is prioritized.
• Don’t want to wait on hold? You can schedule an appointment or use the Call Me Back feature instead. Please note that you will need to call Via Benefits for your appointment at the scheduled time. By law, Via Benefits is not allowed to call you for this appointment.

Additional Information about call times

As of mid-November, Via Benefits reported that:

• When calling from the phone number UVM has on file for you, about 66% of callers connect in under a minute, and 88% within five minutes.
• When calling from the phone number UVM has on file for you, only 1% have experienced waits over an hour, and this most often occurred during peak times like the beginning days of Open Enrollment or on Mondays. 

“Notice to confirm Voluntary Disenrollment” letters from BCBS/VBA are standard form letters that are sent out when a retiree enrolls in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. The word "voluntary" does not negate the guaranteed issue rights for our retirees. Via Benefits has a letter from UVM that they are attaching to each application for our retirees that are qualified for this guaranteed issue opportunity.

No. Unlike previous transitions, open prescriptions filled via mail order will not automatically transfer to your new prescription drug plan. Please read this short message for steps you can take to avoid disruptions.

Yes. You can change your plan at any point during the Open Enrollment period. You will still have to pay for the plan's premium for the first coverage, but you will be refunded for your initial election's premium after the change has been processed.

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.

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. 

• Visit my.viabenefits.com/uvm to sign up. You’ll need to submit your name, date of birth, and sex to create your account.
• Add your providers, pharmacies, prescriptions, and any health concerns so that Via Benefits can consider these when matching you to your coverage options.
• Review and update your contact information so that Via Benefits can reach you in the future about important plan information.
• Complete a Medicare assessment online or by calling Via Benefits at 1-833-858-4990 to save time when you enroll.

Benefit advisors who specialize in Medicare are able to help you through the enrollment process and make sure you get enrolled in a plan to meet your needs. Call Via Benefits at 1‑833-858-4990 or visit my.viabenefits.com/uvm to schedule an appointment with an advisor during the special enrollment period. A few things to keep in mind:

• Family members and friends are welcome to join the appointment with you.
• Allow at least one hour for the appointment.
• Save time by completing your Via Benefits Profile online as described above.
• You need to call Via Benefits at your scheduled appointment time at 1‐833-858-4990. By law, Via Benefits is not allowed to call you for this appointment.

Note: You can also shop for coverage and enroll on your own using the Via Benefits website.

• Reference the Introducing Via Benefits Guide you received by mail.
• Explore additional online resources on my.viabenefits.com/uvm about Medicare plans and how to select the one that you decide meets your health and financial needs.

• Elect new medical and prescription drug plans between October 1 and December 31, 2025.
• You can either shop for coverage and enroll online or call Via Benefits at your scheduled appointment time at 1‐833-858-4990. Remember, you need to call Via Benefits at your appointment time.
• When inputting your end date, please ensure you choose December 31, 2025 to ensure your coverage begins on January 1, 2026.

Medicare 101

UVM hosted two workshops for retirees to learn more about Medicare and the marketplace in August. Below please find the presentation and recording of the virtual workshop for your review. 

• Watch UVM's Medicare 101 Workshop
• View presentation slides (PDF)

Helping You Prepare for Medicare Enrollment

• Watch the Medicare Enrollment info session
• View info session slides (PDF)
• Read session FAQs (PDF)

If you enroll by December 31, 2025, your new coverage will be effective January 1, 2026. Any existing coverage through UVM's current group health plan will end on December 31, 2025.

Review the Selection Confirmation Letter, which will be mailed from Via Benefits about two weeks after you enroll. It will explain your plan selections, and what to expect next from your new insurance carrier(s). If you do not receive a Selection Confirmation Letter, please contact Via Benefits.