Vermont Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Vermont's unique healthcare landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for Medicare beneficiaries. As one of the most rural states in the nation with one of the oldest median ages, understanding your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options is crucial. From Burlington to Brattleboro, Montpelier to Rutland, Vermonters deserve unbiased guidance to navigate these important decisions.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county, Medigap plans in Vermont are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
Vermont's Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Vermont, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Vermont
Vermont Consumer Protections
Vermont law provides consumer protections for Medigap purchasers. If you're replacing an existing Medigap policy with another, you have a 30-day "free look" period during which you can cancel the new policy for a full refund. Vermont follows standard federal Medigap rules without additional year-round guaranteed issue periods.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Vermont
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Vermont, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | VT Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $130 - $220 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $100 - $180 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $150 - $260 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within Vermont, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Vermont
For most Vermont residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Vermont Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Vermont also has Medicare Advantage options, but these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $100 - $260+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Vermont-Specific Medicare Considerations
University of Vermont Medical Center
The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington is Vermont's largest hospital and the state's only academic medical center. It's also the only Level I trauma center in Vermont. With Medigap, you have full access to UVM Medical Center and any specialist there who accepts Medicare, without network restrictions or referral requirements.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Connection
Many Vermonters, especially those in the Upper Valley region, access care through Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center across the border in New Hampshire. Medigap's nationwide coverage means you can see any provider at Dartmouth-Hitchcock without worrying about out-of-network costs.
Rural Healthcare Access
Vermont is one of the most rural states in America. Many residents live far from major medical centers and rely on small community hospitals and clinics. Medigap's flexibility is particularly valuable here: you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare anywhere in the state or country, without network restrictions. This is crucial when you need to travel to Burlington or even Boston for specialized care.
Vermont's Aging Population
Vermont has one of the oldest median ages in the country (approximately 43 years), meaning Medicare is particularly important for the state's population. The combination of an aging population and rural geography makes healthcare planning essential.
Snowbirds and Winter Travel
Many Vermonters escape the harsh winters by spending time in warmer states like Florida or Arizona. Medigap provides nationwide coverage, so your plan works with any Medicare-accepting provider anywhere in the United States. Medicare Advantage plans, by contrast, often have network restrictions that can be problematic when traveling.
Vermont SHIP Program
Vermont offers free Medicare counseling through its State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). While SHIP counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation without any sales pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vermont Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage. Vermont follows standard federal rules and does not have a birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue.
Medigap premiums in Vermont typically range from $100-$260+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location, gender, and tobacco use. Plan G generally offers the best value for comprehensive coverage, while Plan N offers lower premiums with small copays.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. We can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications.