Vermont Medigap plans (also called Medicare Supplement plans) cover the gaps in Original Medicare, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that would otherwise come out of your pocket. This comprehensive Vermont Medigap guide covers available plans, average premiums, top carriers, the birthday rule, guaranteed issue rights, and how to choose between Plan G, Plan N, and other options. Whether you are approaching your initial Medigap Open Enrollment or considering a plan switch, understanding Vermont Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This Vermont Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in Vermont
Standardized plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N
Every Medigap plan with the same letter provides identical benefits regardless of which carrier sells it. Plan G from one company covers the exact same medical costs as Plan G from another company. The only difference is the premium and the customer service experience. This standardization makes comparison shopping straightforward.
Plan F: Still available in Vermont for beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plan F covers all gaps including the Part B deductible. New enrollees after 2020 cannot purchase Plan F.
High-Deductible Plan G: Available in Vermont. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
Vermont Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $271/mo | $271/mo | $271/mo |
| Plan N | $222/mo | $222/mo | Varies |
These are approximate averages. Your actual premium depends on your carrier, zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Always compare quotes from at least three carriers before choosing.
How Vermont Medigap Pricing Works
Vermont uses community-rated Medigap pricing, the most consumer-friendly method. Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Your rate will not increase simply because you get older, though carriers may still raise premiums due to inflation or rising healthcare costs.
Tobacco surcharge: Tobacco users in Vermont typically pay approximately Not applicable — Vermont requires community rating for all 65+ enrollees which prohibits rate variation based on tobacco use or health status more in Medigap premiums.
Plan G vs Plan N in Vermont
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Vermont. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible | Not covered (you pay $240/year in 2026) | Not covered |
| Part B Copay | Covered (no copays) | Up to $20 copay for office visits, up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Monthly Premium | Higher | Lower (typically 15-25% less than Plan G) |
| Best For | Predictable costs, no copays | Lower premiums, okay with small copays |
Bottom line: If you want the most comprehensive coverage with no copays at the doctor, choose Plan G. If you prefer lower monthly premiums and do not mind occasional $20 copays, Plan N offers strong coverage at a lower cost.
Top Medigap Carriers in Vermont
Top Medigap carriers in Vermont:
- Medco Containment
- BCBS of Vermont
- Humana
- AFLAC
- State Farm
Medco Containment typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in Vermont. However, the cheapest carrier varies by zip code and age bracket.
When comparing Medigap carriers, the benefits are identical for the same plan letter. Focus on premium cost, AM Best financial strength rating (A or higher is strong), customer service reputation, and rate increase history.
Vermont Medigap Switching Rights
Vermont does not have a Medigap birthday rule. Your primary opportunity to buy or switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting is during your initial 6-month Medigap OEP.
Guaranteed Issue Rights in Vermont
Federal law provides guaranteed issue rights in specific situations where you can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting:
- Losing employer/union coverage
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area
- You joined an MA plan when first eligible and want to switch back within 12 months (trial right)
- Your Medigap carrier goes bankrupt
Vermont-specific guaranteed issue protections: Year-round open enrollment for all 65+ beneficiaries (no triggers needed — switching is always available without underwriting), mandatory under-65 disabled Medicare beneficiary access with 6-month open enrollment upon Part B enrollment, special guaranteed issue period through March 2026 for beneficiaries displaced by Vermont Blue Advantage leaving the Medicare Advantage market
Additional Vermont Medigap rules: Vermont is one of only 3 states with year-round Medigap open enrollment (no medical underwriting to switch plans anytime). Community rating is mandatory — all 65+ enrollees pay the same premium regardless of age, gender, or health status, making premiums identical at ages 65, 70, and 75. Insurers selling Medigap to those 65+ must also offer plans to disabled Medicare beneficiaries under 65 at a separate community rate. In 2026, Vermont Blue Advantage (the dominant Medicare Advantage plan) exited the market, causing tens of thousands of Vermonters to transition to Original Medicare plus Medigap, with the state providing a special guaranteed issue period through March 2026 for affected beneficiaries.
Common Medigap Mistakes in Vermont
- Missing your OEP: Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is your best window. After it closes, carriers can deny you or charge higher premiums based on health.
- Choosing by carrier name alone: Medigap plans are standardized. A well-known brand’s Plan G costs more but covers the exact same benefits as a smaller carrier’s Plan G.
- Ignoring rate increase history: Some carriers offer low introductory rates then raise premiums aggressively. Ask for 5-year rate increase history before buying.
- Not comparing at least 3 carriers: Premium differences of 30-50% between carriers for the same plan letter are common.
- Confusing Medigap with Medicare Advantage: They are different products. You cannot have both simultaneously (except during limited trial rights).
Compare Vermont Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in Vermont? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Vermont Department of Financial Regulation: https://dfr.vermont.gov
- NAIC Medigap Shopping Guide: naic.org
- CMS Medicare & You Handbook: Medicare & You (PDF)
Last verified April 2026. Contact us if you notice outdated information.