MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) \u2014 Approximately 50,000 Vermonters are scrambling to find new health care coverage after two major Medicare Advantage plans last week announced their departure from the market.<\/p>\n
Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealth are both leaving Vermont\u2019s individual Medicare Advantage market, forcing thousands of seniors to seek alternative coverage options. The timing coincides with the start of Medicare open enrollment next week, creating additional pressure on state resources.<\/p>\n
The Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging<\/a> is working to help displaced beneficiaries enroll in Medigap or supplemental plans through one-on-one counseling services. The organization has been increasing staff in preparation for the influx of Vermonters needing assistance.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to get help from your local SHIP office, understand that there will be a wait time, and unfortunately, due to demand, there will be folks we won\u2019t be able to serve due to demand, and that\u2019s statewide,\u201d said Sam Carleton, Vermont State Health Insurance Program director.<\/p>\n Carleton noted that many Vermonters can also compare Medicare and Medigap plans online at Medicare.gov<\/a> or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. These federal services remain unaffected by the current government shutdown.<\/p>\n The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation has also posted helpful links.<\/a><\/p>\n