Vermont Blue Advantage to End Medicare Advantage Plans by 2025

Vermont Blue Advantage has announced it will terminate all its Medicare Advantage plans by the end of 2025. Current members will remain covered through December 31, 2025, but will need to select a new Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan to maintain coverage for 2026. Notices will be sent to affected members outlining these changes and providing proof necessary to access guaranteed issue rights for Medicare Supplement plans.

The Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, running from October 15 to December 7, allows members to switch to alternative Medicare Advantage plans or enroll in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Vermont's Medicare Advantage market will have limited options in 2026, heightening the importance of thorough plan comparison especially regarding provider networks and restrictions.

Medicare Supplement plans offer the advantage of no network restrictions and are accepted wherever Medicare is accepted. Members discontinuing Medicare Advantage coverage have a guaranteed issue period lasting 63 days post-coverage termination to enroll in Medicare Supplement plans without health underwriting. This period allows transition without denial based on health history.

Emergency services remain accessible and treated as in-network across all plan types. Members are encouraged to verify that their preferred providers are in-network when selecting new Medicare Advantage plans. Transitioning to a Medicare Supplement plan entails enrolling in Original Medicare and separately selecting a Part D prescription drug plan to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Regulatory oversight is provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which approves and sets rules for private Medicare Advantage plans, while Vermont's Department of Financial Regulation offers consumer assistance and resources. Support services including the Vermont State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) are available to help members navigate the transition.