Arlington County’s Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
(VICAP) provides free, unbiased, one-on-one insurance counseling to Arlington
County Medicare Beneficiaries, their families, friends and caregivers.
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On Tuesday, August 23rd from 10:30AM-12:30PM, join Arlington County's Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) for an online Medicare 101 training. This course, led by state certified and SHIP (State Health Insurance and Assistance Program) Counselors, is designed for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. Agenda topics include:
- Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing)
- Medicare Part B (doctors/outpatient hospital services/labs/radiology)
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
- Medicare Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare supplemental plans
- Programs for People with Limited Income
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Digestive Tract Paralysis Awareness Month
This month observes gastroparesis awareness month. Also referred to as Digestive Tract Paralysis, gastroparesis is a medical condition characterized by partial paralysis of the stomach which prevents proper stomach emptying. You are more likely to get gastroparesis if you:
- Are diabetic
- Had any esophageal, stomach, or intestinal surgeries that injured the vagus nerve
- Had certain cancer treatments such as radiation therapy on your stomach or chest area
Out of every 100,000 people, approximately 10 men and 40 women have gastroparesis. While uncommon, similar symptoms of gastroparesis occurs in 1 out of 4 adults in the U.S, and black patients are more likely to have diabetic gastroparesis than patients of other races. Gastroparesis and other motility disorders can be diagnosed with procedures like an endoscopy or esophageal manometry. Both procedures are covered under Medicare when determined reasonable and necessary.
To learn more about covered gastrointestinal procedures and treatments, visit Medicare.gov and type in the service you need, or check the CMS.gov website. Click here to learn more about gastroparesis treatment options.
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Fake Events & Phony Tickets take Festival Goers by Surprise
Virginia SMP | July 22, 2022
Many people are looking forward to fun festivals this summer. As usual, scammers are taking advantage of the building excitement. This time, they are cashing in with phony tickets—and even fake events.
How the scam works
You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities. (Read More)
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Dear VICAP Team,
I just enrolled in Medicare and discovered that the plan I enrolled in does not have dental coverage. Why is this and what can I do to obtain dental care?
Dear Medicare Beneficiary,
Unfortunately, dental care is not included in Original Medicare. When Medicare was first created in 1965, it consisted of Part A and Part B, and was meant to reflect the restrictions and limitations of many other health insurance plans. Although dental care is not included in Original Medicare, you can consider obtaining assistance through the following programs:
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Medicare Advantage Plans: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for routine dental care. Be sure to contact your plan to review costs, rules, and restrictions.
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Medicaid: Some states cover dental services through Medicaid if you have limited income and assets. Contact your local Medicaid office to review eligibility and obtain more information.
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Private stand-alone dental plans: You can shop and purchase a separate dental plan from a private insurance company.
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Reduced-cost or free dental clinics: Eligible Arlington County residents can consider Arlington County's Dental Clinic, the Arlington Free Clinic or the Neighborhood Health Clinic. Additional resources can be found through NeedyMeds, Healthcare.gov, Freeclinics.com, or HHS.gov.
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Local Hospitals: Sometimes hospitals offer resources to connect to dental clinics. When that is the case, ask how you can become a patient, what services are offered, related costs and if payment plans are offered.
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Community Health Centers (CHCs): Some dental schools offer low-cost dental care whereby dental students work with patients under the supervision of licensed and experienced dentists.
To learn more about related services and resources, contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program or use the Eldercare Locater.
 Contact the Arlington County VICAP team by phone or email:
703-228-1725
MedicareHelp@arlingtonva.us
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