Vermont Blue Advantage Leaves Medicare Advantage Market

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Vermont Blue Advantage will end all Medicare Advantage plans at the end of 2025. Vermont residents should take time to learn about whether their coverage will be impacted and what options are available. Plans that are making changes or terminating coverage must send notices to members that advise of the upcoming changes in coverage. Members enrolled in discontinued Medicare Advantage plans will continue to be covered under their current plans through December 31, 2025. Members will need to choose a new Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan to replace their coverage.

An alternative Medicare Advantage plan can be selected during the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7. As of 2026, there are few plans left in Vermont's Medicare Advantage market. If members would like to select a Medicare Supplement plan, they will be eligible for guaranteed issue open enrollment in any plan in the Vermont Medicare Supplement market until 63 days after the coverage ends. If your coverage ends December 31, 2025, guaranteed issue (no underwriting) rights in the Medicare Supplement market last from now until March 4, 2026. The notice you receive from your insurer announcing a plan withdrawal is proof you need to access guaranteed issue rights. Don't throw it away!

Things to Consider

When selecting a health plan for 2026, carefully consider which types of networks and restrictions are appropriate for your health needs. During the Medicare Advantage Annual Open Enrollment Period, call to ask if your current providers are in network. Not all Medicare Advantage plans have the same networks of providers.

Medicare Supplement plans have no network restrictions and are accepted everywhere Medicare is accepted. Regardless of which type of plan you select, emergency services will be available and treated as "in network". In a health emergency, head to the emergency room nearest to you.

Switching Health Insurance Plans

The discontinuance of a Medicare Advantage plan allows members to shop for other health insurance plans, including Medicare Supplement plans.

To switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, members must enroll during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period from October 15 through December 7.

For Medicare Supplement insurance coverage, the guaranteed issue period begins when you receive notice that your plan is discontinued and ends 63 days after the termination of your Medicare Advantage plan. Guaranteed issue means you will not be refused coverage based on your health history.

Whether you select your 2026 coverage through Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement, you will need to share your new health insurance information with your provider, just as you would any time you change insurance.

If you decide to leave the Medicare Advantage market and return to Original Medicare with Medicare Supplement for 2026, please do not forget to enroll in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. You must choose a prescription drug plan, or Medicare part D plan during the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7 to have coverage beginning January 1, 2026.

Can I Switch to a New Plan Before Open Enrollment? Can I Do It Now?

You can begin shopping for a Medicare Supplement plan now for a January 1, 2026, effective date. You will have until March 4, 2026, to buy a plan. You must choose a prescription drug plan, or Medicare part D plan during the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7 to have coverage beginning January 1, 2026. For Medicare Advantage, you must select an alternative Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7, to ensure coverage begins on January 1, 2026.

Additional Information

Vermont State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Counselors are available to answer questions, discuss your needs and provide information about options. Call 1-800-642-5119.

The Department does not regulate Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are offered and managed by private insurance companies. View Medicare Supplement insurance rates in Vermont on the Department website.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

CMS is the government agency that approves these private plans, sets the rules they must follow and pays them to provide benefits to enrollees. For questions about Medicare Advantage Plans, please visit the CMS website or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

The CMS Boston Office accepts complaints against Medicare Advantage companies in Vermont. Call 617-565-1188 from 8 am to 5:30 pm weekdays.

For questions about this release or for media requests, please contact the Department Information Management Officer by email or by phone 802-461-5121. For general insurance-related questions, contact DFR Consumer Services by phone 800-864-1784 or email.

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