FAQs

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

Original Medicare refers to Medicare Part A and Part B. It is referred to as “original” Medicare because these were the only two parts of Medicare when the program started.

A Medicare Advantage health plan (or Part C plan) is an alternative to Medicare Parts A and B. These plans typically cover what Part A and Part B cover, as well as other benefits, such as prescription drugs, worldwide emergency room coverage, and more. See our plans.

Part D includes prescription drugs that are federally approved for Medicare beneficiaries. Part D drug coverage is offered by private companies. Plans can vary in cost and specific drugs covered. You may be eligible for help paying your Part D costs.

You can sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B anytime starting three months before your 65th birthday, up until three months after your 65th birthday. Once you’ve signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B, you can enroll in a UVM Health Advantage Medicare Advantage plan with Part D prescription drug coverage.

If you do not enroll when you become eligible, you may receive penalties.

You can sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through the  Social Security Administration. If you would like to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, contact the provider of the plan(s) that interests you.

Enroll in Part A. It is available at no cost. You will not need to enroll in Part B at this time if the employer has more than 20 employees. You should ask your employer about health plans available to you.

You can choose to keep that plan but once you turn 65, you will lose any premium tax credits or other savings you currently receive.

No. Medicare is not offered on Federal or State Exchange/Marketplaces.

Yes. Every year, there is an Open Enrollment period when you can switch Medicare plans for the coming year. Open Enrollment is October 15 through December 7.

Open Enrollment is the period of time in which Medicare beneficiaries may change their Medicare coverage. It is the one period during the year, unless there is a qualifying event, when a change can be made.

You can change or switch your Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan at other times if certain qualifying events have happened in your life, such as moving to a new area or losing your current coverage. Typically these Special Enrollment Periods last two months from the time of the event, but the rules and timeframes can be different, depending on your circumstance. Get more details.

No. If you are happy with your current plan you do not have to take any actions. However, new premiums or changes in your plan can occur, so it’s important to review the new information as soon as it is available to you.

No. Retiring from your job is considered a qualifying event which makes you eligible for a Special Enrollment period. You have up to two months after the “event” to enroll in Medicare. So it makes sense to prepare in advance by comparing plans before you retire.

You can compare  UVM Health Advantage Medicare plans online. If you prefer to speak to someone in person you can call a a UVM Health Advantage Plan Guide at 1-833-368-4592 or schedule an appointment.

Everyone’s situation is different so it’s important to compare plans and their TOTAL costs (copays, prescriptions, etc.), not just premiums. We recommend contacting an a UVM Health Advantage Plan Guide or attending a seminar.

Get a personalized plan recommendation.

No. Your UVM Health Advantage Plan will provide your Medicare benefits to you. You will still need to maintain your Part A and Part B Medicare enrollment.

UVM Health Advantage plans offer a variety of affordable premiums. But it’s important to look at your total costs, which include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

UVM Health Advantage members have access to MVP’s network of over 23,000 doctors and hospitals in New York and Vermont – including access to all the providers of the UVM Health Network