Important Information for Seniors on Medicare

From Vermont Public (10/1/25):

  • Two private insurers, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare, are leaving Vermont’s Medicare Advantage market next year, and a third, Humana, will only offer plans in a handful of counties. That’s according to data released this week by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
  • For most Vermonters eligible for Medicare, that will leave them with only one option: traditional Medicare. Tens of thousands of residents will have to find new coverage before the end of year.
  • “Vermont’s Medicare Advantage marketplace has collapsed,” Mike Fisher, Vermont’s health care advocate, said Wednesday. “There’s no insurance companies offering a statewide plan.”

NOTE: Between October 15 – December 7, 2025 you may be able to change your expiring Medicare Advantage plan to a Humana Medicare Advantage plan. You have a window to make this change for 63 days after your coverage ends. 

For more information, see: https://dfr.vermont.gov/press-release/vermont-blue-advantage-leaves-medicare-advantage-market

Posted 10-6-25

The Norwich Community Nurse provides services to the Norwich, Vermont community free of charge. This is a non-emergent service and does not take the place of a visiting nurse or health care provider.

Some of the services provided are:

  • Physical assessments
  • Fall risk assessments and preventative measures
  • Communication with primary care providers
  • Communication with families and caregivers regarding the plan of care
  • Advance directive care planning and completing COLST – Clinician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form with patient to have signed by their primary care provider
  • Completing a medication list with patients and/or caregivers
  • Reconciling medications with provider offices
  • Joint visits with providers
  • Assistance with medical equipment
  • Education or assistance with social risk factors ie. food, housing, transportation
  • Planning for transitioning to home from the hospital/facility
  • COVID and Flu vaccine education and support
  • Referrals to community/social service agencies
  • Assistance with transportation to provider visits
  • Address financial issues, rising costs of living, food insecurities
  • Support for caregivers

Both of the Vermont’s private insurers — Blue Cross Blue Shield of VT and MVP — confirmed to VTDigger earlier in September that they intend to continue covering COVID-19 vaccines at no cost and with no prior approval.

The health department’s recommendations confirm that Medicaid will continue to cover the cost of the shots. Since the FDA has already approved the vaccine for those over 65 or with existing health risks, Medicare, which covers the same age group, should also cover the vaccines.

More information at: https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/respiratory-illnesses/flu-covid-rsv-vaccines#covid

Posted 10-6-25