Premium Assistance Program

Premium Assistance Program

Premium Assistance Program

Protecting rural healthcare by helping seniors afford Original Medicare

Premium Assistance Program

Protecting rural healthcare by helping seniors afford Original Medicare

The Challenge

Medicare Advantage has overtaken traditional Medicare, now covering over half of all seniors nationwide

Medicare Advantage has overtaken traditional Medicare, now covering over half of all seniors nationwide

MA pays rural hospitals less than the cost of care.

On average, MA reimburses only 90.6% of traditional Medicare rates and in some facilities as low as 76%. Even critical access hospitals, supposed to be cost-based reimbursed, receive just 95% of cost from MA.

Administrative roadblocks compound losses.


Administrative roadblocks compound losses.

Administrative roadblocks compound losses.

Nearly 15% of all MA claims are initially denied, half overturned only after costly appeals. MA patients experience 9.6% longer hospital stays awaiting insurer approvals.

Clinical harm is widespread.

Clinical harm is widespread.

Clinical harm is widespread.

81% of rural clinicians report diminished quality of care due to MA requirements. 86% say outcomes are being harmed by paperwork and delays.

For low-income seniors, MA’s lower premiums can feel like the only affordable option, even though it often limits their access to local hospitals, specialists, and timely care.

The Result

Rural hospitals lose critical revenue, face mounting administrative burdens, and in too many cases, closure. Patients lose local access and freedom of choice.

Rural hospitals lose critical revenue, face mounting administrative burdens, and in too many cases, closure. Patients lose local access and freedom of choice.

Rural hospitals lose critical revenue, face mounting administrative burdens, and in too many cases, closure. Patients lose local access and freedom of choice.

Vector Health’s Solution

The Medicare Part B Premium Assistance Program

The Medicare Part B Premium Assistance Program

Remove Barriers

Vector Health created a compliance-first, independently administered fund that helps financially vulnerable seniors afford their monthly Part B premiums, removing the cost barrier that keeps many locked into restrictive MA plans.

Vector Health created a compliance-first, independently administered fund that helps financially vulnerable seniors afford their monthly Part B premiums, removing the cost barrier that keeps many locked into restrictive MA plans.

Fair Reimbursements

Once approved, a patient’s Part B premium is paid directly on their behalf, allowing them to maintain or return to Original Medicare, which reimburses hospitals fairly and gives patients the freedom to choose their doctors and hospitals.

Once approved, a patient’s Part B premium is paid directly on their behalf, allowing them to maintain or return to Original Medicare, which reimburses hospitals fairly and gives patients the freedom to choose their doctors and hospitals.

How it Works

How it Works

Patient Application

Seniors in the hospital’s service area apply for need-based assistance through a secure, compliant process.

Independent Administration

Vector Health verifies eligibility and pays Medicare directly, ensuring hospitals remain fully compliant and patients experience no bias or inducement.

Sustainable Impact

Hospitals improve reimbursement stability and patient retention. Communities preserve local access to care.

Why it Matters

For Patients

Freedom to choose any provider under Original Medicare, without the restrictions or delays of MA.

For Hospitals

Restored reimbursement rates, reduced administrative burden, and stronger financial sustainability.

For Communities

Keeps rural hospitals open and care local.

Compliance Framework

Compliance Framework

No selective patient targeting

No selective patient targeting

No selective patient targeting

No selective patient targeting

Transparent reporting to participating hospitals

Transparent reporting to participating hospitals

Transparent reporting to participating hospitals

Transparent reporting to participating hospitals

Neutral, factual education only

Neutral, factual education only

Neutral, factual education only

Neutral, factual education only

Independent fund administration

Independent fund administration

Independent fund administration

Independent fund administration

Eligibility Snapshot

Patients may qualify if they: reside in the hospital’s geographic service area, are enrolled or eligible for Medicare Part B, and meet income thresholds (up to 800% of the Federal Poverty Level).

Patients may qualify if they: reside in the hospital’s geographic service area, are enrolled or eligible for Medicare Part B, and meet income thresholds (up to 800% of the Federal Poverty Level).

Join the Effort

Hospitals, community foundations, and state partners can participate in Vector Health’s Premium Assistance Program to protect access and strengthen rural care systems.

Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7



MA Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31

Get in touch with our team to learn how to launch the program in your community.

The platform where healthcare teams meet nonprofits fund patients in need of financial assistance

1401 Lavaca Street Unit #7064 Austin, TX 78701.

LinkedIn

The platform where healthcare teams meet nonprofits fund patients in need of financial assistance

1401 Lavaca Street Unit #7064 Austin, TX 78701.

LinkedIn

The platform where healthcare teams meet nonprofits fund patients in need of financial assistance

1401 Lavaca Street Unit #7064 Austin, TX 78701.

LinkedIn

The platform where healthcare teams meet nonprofits fund patients in need of financial assistance

1401 Lavaca Street Unit #7064 Austin, TX 78701.

LinkedIn