Find a Patient Advocate in Vermont Covered by Medicare

Find a Patient Advocate in Vermont Covered by Medicare

Find a Patient Advocate in Vermont Covered by Medicare

Support for the Green Mountain State's Rural Communities

Support for the Green Mountain State's Rural Communities

Aviator Health's Healthcare Navigators understand Vermont's unique healthcare environment and provide personalized support to help you coordinate care across rural distances, make informed coverage decisions, and access the resources available through Vermont's well-established senior services network.

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Advocacy is now covered by insurance
Advocacy is now covered by insurance

Clarity in Vermont's Insurance Landscape

Vermont's healthcare system has some unique features, including state regulation of Medicare Supplement plans that differs from other states. Our Healthcare Navigators help you understand how Original Medicare works in Vermont, compare Medicare Advantage and supplemental coverage options, and identify prescription drug plans that cover your medications at in-state pharmacies. We provide objective guidance tailored to Vermont's specific insurance environment, without sales pressure.

Coordinate Care Across Rural Vermont

When your primary care is in one town and specialists are in Burlington, Rutland, or even out of state, keeping your care coordinated matters. Our Navigators help facilitate communication between your providers, organize records for referrals, and assist with planning for appointments that may require significant travel. We understand the realities of accessing healthcare in Vermont and work to make the system work better for you.

Empowerment Through Understanding

Vermonters value independence and community—qualities that matter in healthcare too. Our Navigators ensure you understand your Medicare benefits, know your rights as a patient, and have the information needed to participate actively in your care decisions. From preparing questions for your doctor to understanding treatment options, we help you navigate healthcare with confidence.

Local Resources

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (serving Bennington County)

Comprehensive aging services for southwestern Vermont

Category:

Area Agency on Aging

Sub Categories:

Nursing Home Support

Complaint Resolution

Resident Advocacy

The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Bennington County, connecting older adults with essential services and support.

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging is one of five Area Agencies on Aging serving Vermont. The agency provides a comprehensive network of services including SHIP Medicare counseling, nutrition programs (both congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals), care coordination, caregiver support, transportation assistance, and information and referral services. They help older adults and their families navigate the aging services system and connect with appropriate resources. The Council administers the Older Vermonters Act programs in Bennington County and serves as a gateway to services funded through Choices for Care for eligible individuals needing long-term care supports. Staff can conduct home visits for individuals who cannot travel to their offices.

How to qualify:

Services generally available to adults 60 and older in Bennington County

Contact Information:

139 Depot Street, Bennington, VT 05201

802-442-5494

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (serving Bennington County)

Comprehensive aging services for southwestern Vermont

Category:

Area Agency on Aging

Sub Categories:

Nursing Home Support

Complaint Resolution

Resident Advocacy

The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Bennington County, connecting older adults with essential services and support.

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging is one of five Area Agencies on Aging serving Vermont. The agency provides a comprehensive network of services including SHIP Medicare counseling, nutrition programs (both congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals), care coordination, caregiver support, transportation assistance, and information and referral services. They help older adults and their families navigate the aging services system and connect with appropriate resources. The Council administers the Older Vermonters Act programs in Bennington County and serves as a gateway to services funded through Choices for Care for eligible individuals needing long-term care supports. Staff can conduct home visits for individuals who cannot travel to their offices.

How to qualify:

Services generally available to adults 60 and older in Bennington County

Contact Information:

139 Depot Street, Bennington, VT 05201

802-442-5494

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Vermont's state agency overseeing services for older adults and people with disabilities

Category:

State Agency

Sub Categories:

Nursing Home Support

Complaint Resolution

Resident Advocacy

DAIL develops policy and oversees programs that help Vermonters with disabilities and older adults live with dignity and independence in their communities.

The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living coordinates Vermont's system of services for older adults and people with disabilities. DAIL administers programs funded under the Older Americans Act and oversees Vermont's network of five Area Agencies on Aging, which deliver services throughout the state's regions. The Department manages Vermont's Choices for Care program, which provides long-term care services to help people remain in their homes and communities rather than in institutions. DAIL also oversees the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which advocates for residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities. The Department works closely with other state agencies to ensure coordinated services and person-centered care planning.

How to qualify:

Programs generally available to adults 60 and older; disability services available to qualifying individuals of all ages

Contact Information:

HC 2 South, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-2020

802-241-2401

Monday-Friday 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Vermont's state agency overseeing services for older adults and people with disabilities

Category:

State Agency

Sub Categories:

Nursing Home Support

Complaint Resolution

Resident Advocacy

DAIL develops policy and oversees programs that help Vermonters with disabilities and older adults live with dignity and independence in their communities.

The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living coordinates Vermont's system of services for older adults and people with disabilities. DAIL administers programs funded under the Older Americans Act and oversees Vermont's network of five Area Agencies on Aging, which deliver services throughout the state's regions. The Department manages Vermont's Choices for Care program, which provides long-term care services to help people remain in their homes and communities rather than in institutions. DAIL also oversees the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which advocates for residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities. The Department works closely with other state agencies to ensure coordinated services and person-centered care planning.

How to qualify:

Programs generally available to adults 60 and older; disability services available to qualifying individuals of all ages

Contact Information:

HC 2 South, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-2020

802-241-2401

Monday-Friday 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Vermont

Free, unbiased Medicare counseling throughout Vermont

Category:

SHIP Program

Sub Categories:

Nursing Home Support

Complaint Resolution

Resident Advocacy

Vermont's SHIP program provides trained volunteer counselors who offer confidential, one-on-one assistance with Medicare questions and health insurance decisions.

Vermont's State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free, objective counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage options and make informed decisions. Trained volunteer counselors are available throughout Vermont to assist with understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, comparing Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, evaluating prescription drug coverage, and applying for programs like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. Vermont SHIP counselors can also help with questions about Vermont's Medicaid programs and how they coordinate with Medicare. Counselors are available year-round at senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging offices, and other community locations across the state. They can also provide assistance by phone or schedule home visits for individuals with mobility challenges.

How to qualify:

Available to all Vermont Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers

Contact Information:

Services available statewide through Vermont's five Area Agencies on Aging

1-800-642-5119

Vary by location; call for appointments

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Vermont

Free, unbiased Medicare counseling throughout Vermont

Category:

SHIP Program

Sub Categories:

Nursing Home Support

Complaint Resolution

Resident Advocacy

Vermont's SHIP program provides trained volunteer counselors who offer confidential, one-on-one assistance with Medicare questions and health insurance decisions.

Vermont's State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free, objective counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage options and make informed decisions. Trained volunteer counselors are available throughout Vermont to assist with understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, comparing Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, evaluating prescription drug coverage, and applying for programs like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. Vermont SHIP counselors can also help with questions about Vermont's Medicaid programs and how they coordinate with Medicare. Counselors are available year-round at senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging offices, and other community locations across the state. They can also provide assistance by phone or schedule home visits for individuals with mobility challenges.

How to qualify:

Available to all Vermont Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers

Contact Information:

Services available statewide through Vermont's five Area Agencies on Aging

1-800-642-5119

Vary by location; call for appointments