Medicare Advantage Plans in Vermont for 2026

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in Vermont offer an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Approved by the federal government and sold by private insurers, these plans provide the same foundational coverage as Original Medicare, but may include additional benefits like routine dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. At SelectQuote, we help you check local plan availability to find the right coverage for your needs.

What is a Medicare Advantage plan in Vermont?

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) serve as an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, bundling the hospital coverage of Part A and medical insurance of Part B into a single policy managed by a private insurer.

Unlike states where Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) networks are the most common Part C plan type, Vermont’s Medicare Advantage market relies almost exclusively on Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan types. This structural layout provides local beneficiaries with greater geographic flexibility, allowing them to visit out-of-network doctors who accept Medicare plans without needing a referral from a primary care physician, though staying within the carrier's designated network usually minimizes out-of-pocket copays.

2026 Changes to Medicare Advantage Plan Carriers in Vermont

The Medicare Advantage landscape in Vermont has changed drastically for the 2026 plan year due to widespread market exits by private insurance providers. Driven by escalating healthcare delivery costs and shifting federal regulatory rules, major insurance carriers—including UnitedHealthcare and Vermont Blue Advantage (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont)—have entirely discontinued their individual Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan offerings across the state.

For individual consumers shopping the 2026 market, Humana is the only private carrier continuing to offer individual Medicare Advantage plans in Vermont. Furthermore, this remaining Part C availability is structurally restricted to specific counties, including:

• Bennington

• Caledonia

• Essex

• Orange

• Windham

• Windsor

Residents living outside these specific regions currently have no individual Medicare Advantage plan options. 

Source: CMS Part C and D Performance Data  

At SelectQuote, our licensed insurance agents can help you understand the 2026 plan parameters in your specific Vermont zip code. Whether you are reviewing remaining Humana networks in eligible counties or evaluating your options under Original Medicare, we offer unbiased guidance to help you find a solution and bridge any coverage gaps. 

2026 Vermont Medicare Enrollment Periods

Navigating the timing windows established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is essential for securing or shifting your coverage without financial gaps or late-enrollment penalties.

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7: This is the primary window each year to sign up for, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage or standalone Part D prescription drug plan. Any updates you submit during AEP go into legal effect on January 1.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 to March 31: If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1, you can use this period to make a one-time change to switch to a different available Advantage plan or drop your policy entirely to return to Original Medicare.

• Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Varies by Qualifying Life Event: SEPs allow you to make immediate changes to your Medicare coverage outside of standard annual windows. Common triggers for Vermont residents include moving out of your current insurance plan's designated service area or losing your employer-sponsored health coverage.

The Alternative: Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in Vermont

Because individual Medicare Advantage plan choices are restricted across Vermont for the 2026 plan year, Vermont seniors may instead choose to pair Original Medicare with a private Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan and a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. These combinations provide additional financial security against unpredictable out-of-pocket medical costs that come with standard federal Medicare coverage.

Note: You cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan at the same time. You must choose one or the other.

Explore SelectQuote’s guide to Vermont Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. 

Guaranteed Issue Rights and Widespread Protections

If your previous 2025 Medicare Advantage plan was discontinued due to recent carrier exits, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) backed by federal Guaranteed Issue rights. These rights protect your transition by legally ensuring that private insurance carriers cannot subject you to medical underwriting. You cannot be denied Medigap coverage, face waiting periods, or be charged inflated monthly premiums because of pre-existing health conditions.

Furthermore, Vermont state insurance regulations offer consumer protections that are unique compared to the rest of the country. The state requires all Medigap insurance companies to use a community-rated pricing system for beneficiaries aged 65 and older. Under a community rating system, everyone within a specific geographic area pays the same base monthly premium for their chosen plan tier, regardless of age or medical history. This prevents your premiums from automatically scaling upward simply because you grow older each year.

Why choose SelectQuote?

Navigating a highly condensed regional insurance market can seem overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With over 40 years of experience helping consumers compare private health coverage, SelectQuote simplifies the enrollment process by comparing plans from highly recognized national insurance carriers in just minutes. Our support doesn’t stop there—we’ll stay connected during key enrollment periods to make sure you’re aware of any changes to your plan options in Vermont. 

We maintain a strong reputation for consumer transparency and high-quality customer care across major independent rating platforms.

• Trustpilot Rating: We hold an "Excellent" rating based on over 17,000 verified consumer reviews, with clients frequently highlighting the staff’s deep technical knowledge, concise communication, and stress-free comparison process.

• Localized Experience: Regular feedback from New England beneficiaries highlights the value of having a dedicated professional clarify localized network restrictions, especially during unexpected carrier market exits.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating: We are a fully accredited business by the Better Business Bureau, maintaining an A+ rating, the highest mark awarded for corporate accountability, ethical advertising practices, and proactive consumer dispute resolution.