Explore your options
Compare options, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and prescription plans.
Find a Licensed Medicare agent in Vermont
Connect with Medicare agents in Vermont
Toni Aldridge
Kevin Hatfield
Shannon Davis
Tyler Eby
Kayla Torry
Brandon Kauffman
Calvin Fritz
Sara Morrissey
Matt Willenborg
Ariel De Jesus
Why work with a Medicare agent
Enroll in Medicare
Get the help you need to enroll in Medicare, from Original Medicare to supplemental coverage.
Use your coverage
Receive extended support to help you use your plan effectively, find doctors, and get savings.
A Snapshot of Medicare in Vermont
Original Medicare is very popular in Vermont. It covers 68% of all Medicare beneficiaries in the state. The remaining 32% of beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage or other Medicare health plans.
Original Medicare is made up of Part A and Part B. Part A is your hospital (or inpatient) insurance and Part B is your standard medical (or outpatient) insurance. Medicare Advantage plans must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare Part A and Part B, and they also often provide additional coverage and extra benefits.
Because Original Medicare does not include prescription coverage, Medicare beneficiaries need to get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Part D coverage can be obtained either through a standalone Part D plan or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D coverage.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage both come with monthly premiums you pay to get your coverage as well as out-of-pocket costs that you must still pay when you get care. While Medicare Advantage plans are required to put a cap on how much you could owe in out-of-pocket cost in a year, Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket limit. For that reason, many people on Original Medicare choose to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan (also called a Medigap plan). Medigap plans significantly reduce Original Medicare beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance). Benefits and premiums vary by plan.
How to apply for Medicare in Vermont?
Medicare eligibility in Vermont follows the same nationwide rules as everywhere else in the country. You qualify for Medicare as a US citizen if you meet one of these criteria:
- You're 65 or older
- You have a qualifying disability, such as End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS
- You've received SSDI for 24 months or more
Enrolling in Vermont takes three key steps:
- Sign up for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
- Decide on your supplemental coverage:
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Part D (prescription drug coverage)
- Confirm your doctors are in network, update your pharmacy with your new plan, and activate any additional benefits included with your coverage
FAQs
Where can Vermont residents get personalized help comparing Medicare?
Vermont residents can get personalized help comparing Medicare options from Chapter's licensed Medicare agents. They offer free advice and support to help Medicare-eligible people choose a coverage option that best fits their needs. To get started, contact Chapter at (855) 900-2427 to schedule a free consultation.
What are some of the limitations of Medicare Advantage plans that Vermont residents should be aware of?
Medicare Advantage plans can include additional coverage for things like dental, vision, and hearing care. They also usually provide prescription drug coverage. This bundled approach to Medicare sounds good, but can come with limitations that beneficiaries should be aware of. The two biggest downsides to Medicare Advantage are provider networks and prior authorization requirements. While Original Medicare provides coverage for any doctor nationwide, Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks. If you see a doctor who is out-of-network with your plan, you could owe more—or even be responsible for the full cost of care. Original Medicare also does not generally require prior authorization for covered services, but Medicare Advantage plans often require—and deny—prior authorization requests before you get coverage for covered services.
What should Vermont residents consider if they regularly receive care in a neighboring state?
Vermont residents who regularly receive out-of-state care should compare how different Medicare coverage options handle out-of-state providers. Original Medicare enrollees can see any doctor in the US that accepts Medicare and receive full coverage. Medicare Advantage enrollees may pay more for out-of-network care, or their plan may not cover it. Networks don’t apply for emergency care.
What preventive services and screenings does Medicare cover for Vermont residents?
Medicare Part B covers preventive services such as cancer screenings, vaccinations, and annual wellness visits. Many of these services are available at no cost when provided by a doctor who accepts Medicare.
