Prescription Help — State and Federal Pharmacy Programs

The State of Vermont and the federal government have programs that can help lower prescription costs.

  1. VPharm
    • VPharm is a state program for people age 65 and older, and for people under 65 with a disability.
    • You must have a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan.
    • There is an income limit of 225% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
    • Depending on your family income, the monthly premium will be $15, $20 or $50.
    • VPharm will help pay your monthly Part D premium.
    • VPharm will lower many of your drug copays to $1 or $2 for each prescription.
  2. Low Income Subsidy (LIS) / Extra Help
    • LIS is a free federal program for people age 65 and older, and for people under 65 with a disability.
    • LIS will help pay your monthly Medicare Part D premium.
    • LIS will lower many of your drug copays.
    • You will automatically qualify for LIS if you apply and are found eligible for Vermont’s Medicare Savings Program.
  3. Healthy Vermonters
    • Healthy Vermonters is a free state program for people of all ages.
    • It is for people who do not have prescription insurance or do not have any health insurance.
    • It is also for people who have a Medicare Part D plan that excludes certain Part D drug classes, like over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and more.
    • The income limit is 350% FPL if you are under age 65 and do not have a disability.
    • The income limit is 400% FPL if you are age 65 or older, and for people under 65 with a disability.
    • There are no monthly premiums.
    • Healthy Vermonters will lower the cost of short-term and long-term prescriptions.
For more information about VPharm and Healthy Vermonters, visit the Department of Vermont Health Access website.

How to apply

If you only need to apply for prescription help and/or the Medicare Savings Program, use the 201P Application. You can apply these ways:

  • ONLINE: Download and fill out the online 201P application.
    • Remember to check the box on the signature page and type your name at the red "X" below the box.
    • Use the Document Uploader to submit your application. (Click “Sign up” at the bottom of the webpage if you do not have an account.) Select “healthcare” as the program.
  • MAIL: Print and mail the 201P application. Remember to sign it and include copies of any necessary documents.
  • PHONE: Call 1-800-250-8427. Remember to say: “I want to apply for the Medicare Savings Program by phone with the 201P application.”

If you need to apply for prescription help, the Medicare Savings Program and Medicaid, use the 205ALLMED Application.  

Other prescription drug resources

If you do not qualify for these pharmacy programs, check out our Buying Prescription Drugs page for other help.