Vermont Medicare Savings Program Renewal: Deadlines, Forms, and the Green Stripe Envelope
The envelope arrives with a green stripe on the edge, and it looks like just another piece of state mail. Inside is your parent's annual MSP or VPharm renewal packet — and ignoring it terminates their coverage.
How the Annual Review Works
Vermont conducts annual eligibility redeterminations for every Medicare Savings Program and VPharm enrollee. The renewal packet arrives by mail approximately 45 days before the scheduled review date. Which form is inside depends on what your parent receives:
Form 201P Review goes to active VPharm and MSP-only members.
Form 202MED Review goes to members who have both MABD Medicaid and an MSP.
The form asks your parent to confirm current income, household composition, and any changes since the last review. It must be signed and returned by the deadline printed on the notice.
Ex Parte Renewals: When No Form Is Needed
In some cases, DVHA can verify continued eligibility through automated electronic data matching with SSA and the Vermont Department of Taxes. When the data match confirms income and household details, the state conducts an "ex parte renewal" — no paperwork required. Your parent receives a notice confirming continued coverage.
But if the automated data doesn't match or is insufficient, the paper renewal is mandatory. There's no way to know in advance whether your parent will get an ex parte pass or a paper renewal.
What Happens If the Deadline Passes
Failure to return a signed renewal form by the deadline results in coverage termination. DVHA issues a Notice EE307 — the official closure or termination notice — and MSP benefits stop. Part B premiums restart in your parent's Social Security check. QMB billing protections end. VPharm prescription coverage drops.
If coverage closes after a missed review, contact Green Mountain Care at 1-800-250-8427 to request Good Cause Renewal Reinstatement and file an appeal with the Human Services Board.
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COLA and the January-March Window
Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments take effect each January and increase gross income. A COLA bump could push your parent's gross Social Security check above a threshold — but federal rules protect against this. The income increase from the January COLA is disregarded for MSP eligibility until the new FPL figures take effect on April 1.
This means a January COLA cannot cause MSP termination during the first quarter. If the renewal falls in Q1, the old income figures apply.
Reporting Changes Between Renewals
Your parent must report changes in recurring monthly income exceeding $50 within 10 days using Form 200GMC (Change Report Form). Non-recurring lump sums — tax refunds and insurance settlements — are counted as income only in the month received. Since QMB and QI have no asset test, retaining lump-sum funds in later months doesn't affect eligibility.
A new marriage, a spouse's death, or a household member moving in or out should also be reported promptly, as household composition affects the applicable income threshold.
The Vermont Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help & VPharm Guide includes a 12-month renewal calendar, a checklist for the green-stripe packet, and instructions for reporting income changes without triggering a coverage disruption.
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Download the Vermont — Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.