Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage for people with Medicare. Part D plans are sold by private companies. Some plans offer lower drug prices through a mail order option. Benefits vary from plan to plan, so shop carefully. For help choosing and enrolling in a plan, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or call the Senior HelpLine and ask to speak with a SHIP counselor. You can also search for Part D plans and enroll online at www.medicare.gov.

Help with Medicare Part D Costs

Federal Help
A federal Low Income Subsidy (“Extra Help”) is available to help pay the costs associated with Part D for individuals who meet certain income and resource guidelines. To request an application, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or call the Senior HelpLine. You can also apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

State Help (VPharm)
Vermont offers a program called VPharm to help with Part D costs for low- and middle-income Vermonters. To request an application, call Health Access Member Services at 1-800-250-8427 (TTY 1-888-834-7898) or call the Senior HelpLine. NOTE: VPharm applicants who think they may be eligible for federal help with Part D costs through the Low Income Subsidy (see above) should also apply for Low Income Subsidy.

Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program administered by Vermont’s Department for Children and Families (DCF). To qualify for Medicaid, a person must be at least 65 or disabled and must meet certain income and resource guidelines. Medicaid recipients can obtain their medications for a small co-payment. People with both Medicare and Medicaid must be enrolled in a Part D plan in order to receive help with drug costs. For an application, contact Health Access Member Services at 1-800-250-8427 (TTY 1-888-834-7898). For questions about eligibility and help applying, call the Senior HelpLine.

VHAP
VHAP is a health insurance program for uninsured or underinsured adults who meet certain income guidelines. NOTE: People who are eligible for Medicare are not eligible for VHAP. For income guidelines and an application, call Health Access Member Services at 1-800-250-8427 (TTY 1-888-834-7898).

VHAP-Pharmacy /VScript / HVP
VHAP-Pharmacy, VScript, and the Healthy Vermonters Program (HVP) provide help to eligible Vermonters with the costs of obtaining their medications. VHAP-Pharmacy and VScript are available to low- and middle-income Vermonters who meet the following criteria: (1) They do not qualify for Medicare, (2) they have no drug coverage and, (3) either they are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or they are at least 65 years of age. The Healthy Vermonters Program offers small discounts on prescription medications. For income guidelines and an application, call Health Access Member Services at 1-800-250-8427 (TTY 1-888-834-7898) or call the Senior HelpLine.

Senior Discounts
Check with your pharmacy to find out if they offer discounts to seniors. Prices can vary considerably among pharmacies. Call around to find the lowest price available.

Drug Company Discounts
Some pharmaceutical companies offer their products at no cost, or reduced cost, to persons who demonstrate financial need. For a list of pharmaceutical companies that offer such programs and for help applying, contact the Senior HelpLine. You can also find information and applications online at www.needymeds.com.

Veterans Administration (VA)
Veterans may be eligible for free or low-cost prescriptions through the Veterans Administration (VA). Eligibility and cost are based on a person’s VA status and the type of medication they are taking. A person must use a VA provider to take advantage of this type of coverage. For information about VA coverage, call the Veterans Administration toll-free at 1-866-687-8387.

Health Assistance Program at FAHC
Fletcher Allen Health Care (FAHC) offers a Health Assistance Program that provides limited financial assistance for low-income people having difficulty affording prescriptions. Help with applying for drug company discounts and drug coverage is also available through this program. For more information, call 847-6984 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Canadian Prescriptions
Some people have found that purchasing their prescriptions in Canada offers them considerable cost savings. In order to have a prescription filled in Canada, it must be written by a Canadian physician or obtained through a Canadian website, such as ovha.vermont.gov/for-consumers/i-saverx. Contact the Senior HelpLine for assistance in pursuing this option.

Confused About Other Health Insurance Issues?

CVAA offers free, confidential health insurance counseling to current or potential Medicare beneficiaries through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).