Take action to sign up for a Part D prescription plan by December 7 or December 31, 2025

Most Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare “Part C”) in Vermont are ending on December 31, 2025.

For 2026, most Vermonters on Medicare Advantage Plans will return to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and will need to enroll separately in a Part D plan for drug coverage.

Medicare Part B

In 2026, the Medicare Part B premium is projected to be $206.50 per month. If you were on a Medicare Advantage Plan in 2025, you were paying this as part of your monthly premium.

Medicare Part D

Take action to sign up for a Part D prescription plan during the annual open enrollment period by December 7, 2025.

• If you are losing your Medicare Advantage Plan and you don’t sign up by December 7, you can still sign up before December 31 to get a January 1 start date for your prescription coverage.
• Signing up after December 31 will result in a gap in prescription coverage.
• For those losing their Medicare Advantage plan, the last day to sign up for a Part D plan through your Special Enrollment Period is February 28, 2026.

Programs that help with Medicare costs

The State of Vermont has health care programs that help with Medicare costs.

Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare Savings Programs will pay your Medicare Part B premium and will have new, higher income limits starting January 1, 2026. The higher income limits are not in effect until January 1, so if you only qualify under the new limits, you should apply after January 1.

Prescription assistance

If you enroll in a Medicare Savings Program, you will automatically get a program called Extra Help. Extra Help can save you money. It pays the basic portion of your Part D plan premium. With Extra Help, you pay no deductible and have low co-pays.

VPharm

VPharm is a State of Vermont pharmacy assistance program. It works with your Medicare Part D plan to help lower your prescription costs. You pay a monthly premium and have low co-pays. You may not need VPharm if you have Extra Help.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans

Medigap plans help cover costs not paid by Parts A & B (like deductibles & coinsurance). You can only sign up for Medigap plans if you have Original Medicare.

If your Advantage plan is ending, you qualify for Guaranteed Issue Rights:

• You cannot be denied or charged more based on your health
• Application deadline: March 4, 2026
• If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program called QMB, you should not need to purchase a Medigap Plan.

Save the notice from your Advantage plan as proof of eligibility.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

• Most Medicare Advantage Plans in Vermont are ending on December 31st, 2025.
• Only Humana will offer plans in five counties: Bennington, Caledonia, Orange, Windham and Windsor.
• Original Medicare offers more provider flexibility and usually no prior approval for services. 

Need help?

Contact the Office of the Health Care Advocate (HCA) for individual help. The HCA is a project of Vermont Legal Aid. They offer free legal advice on health insurance and access to care issues.

HCA HelpLine: 1-800-917-7787

Online: VTLawHelp.org/health