Healthy Vermonters Program: Vermont's Prescription Discount for Higher-Income Seniors
What Healthy Vermonters Is
Healthy Vermonters is a state prescription discount program for Medicare enrollees who earn too much for VPharm but still struggle with drug costs. While VPharm caps at 225% of the Federal Poverty Level, Healthy Vermonters extends up to 400% FPL — roughly $5,320 per month for a single person in 2026.
The program works differently from VPharm. There is no monthly member premium. Instead, Healthy Vermonters provides state-negotiated discounts on prescription medications. It requires Medicare Part D enrollment and does not replace the Part D plan.
Who Qualifies
To enroll in Healthy Vermonters, your parent must:
- Have Medicare Part D (active prescription drug plan enrollment)
- Live in Vermont
- Have gross monthly income above the VPharm Tier 3 ceiling (above 225% FPL) but at or below 400% FPL
For 2026, the approximate income range for Healthy Vermonters is $2,994 to $5,320 per month for a single person. Below $2,993, your parent should apply for VPharm instead, which provides more comprehensive prescription cost reduction.
How It Compares to VPharm
| Feature | VPharm | Healthy Vermonters |
|---|---|---|
| Income ceiling | 225% FPL | 400% FPL |
| Monthly premium | $15–$50 depending on tier | $0 |
| Copay reduction | $1–$2 per prescription | Varies by medication |
| Part D required | Yes | Yes |
| Application form | Form 201P | Form 201P |
VPharm is the better program if your parent qualifies — it reduces copays to a flat $1 to $2 for most medications and coordinates directly with Extra Help. Healthy Vermonters provides meaningful discounts but does not reach the same copay floor.
For families whose parent falls just above the VPharm income limit, Healthy Vermonters prevents them from paying full retail on prescriptions. The savings vary by medication, but for seniors taking multiple brand-name drugs, the annual reduction can be substantial.
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How to Apply
Healthy Vermonters uses the same Form 201P that covers VPharm and Medicare Savings Programs. When processing the application, DVHA screens for all programs the applicant qualifies for based on their income. If your parent's income is too high for VPharm but under 400% FPL, Healthy Vermonters is the program they will be enrolled in.
Submit Form 201P through any of the standard Green Mountain Care channels: online at my.vermont.gov, by mail to 280 State Drive, NOB 1 South, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500, or by phone at 1-800-250-8427.
The Bottom Line
Healthy Vermonters fills a gap for middle-income Medicare beneficiaries — too much income for VPharm, not enough to comfortably absorb full prescription costs. If your parent earns between roughly $3,000 and $5,300 per month, it is worth applying.
For parents who fall under the VPharm income limits, the Vermont Medicare Savings Programs guide covers the full VPharm enrollment process, including how to coordinate it with Extra Help for maximum prescription savings.
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