Arlington County’s Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
(VICAP) provides free, unbiassed, one-on-one insurance counseling to Arlington County Medicare Beneficiaries, their families, friends and caregivers.
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On Tuesday, September 13th from 10:30AM-12:30PM, join Arlington County's Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) for an online presentation on Choosing Traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan: Pros and Cons. This course, led by state certified and SHIP (State Health Insurance and Assistance Program) Counselors, will focus on the differences between Traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage and is designed for Medicare beneficiaries and individuals below or above 65 who are Medicare eligible.
Agenda topics include:
- Traditional Medicare (Part A & B)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medicare Supplemental Insurance
- Medicare Open Enrollment Period
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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is a common cancer that can grow slowly on the prostate gland. Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, and race. While it is treatable, the National Cancer Institute wrote that compared with White men, Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and are twice as likely to die from the disease. This is because more aggressive or advanced forms of prostate cancer are more often found in Black men.
Medicare Part B covers one annual prostate cancer screening for individuals age 50+. The prostate screening includes:
- A digital rectal exam (DRE)
- And, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
Medicare also covers diagnostic prostate cancer screenings. Your provider may recommend that you receive a prostate cancer screening more than once per year, depending on your medical need. To learn more, click here.
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Vaccine & Immunization Resources
As the seasons change, we are more susceptible to viruses and infections. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reports that although significant vaccine-related advancements have been made in the United States, adult vaccination rates still remain low overall, especially among racial and ethnic minority populations. Medicare Part D covers most vaccines and immunizations however, there are certain vaccinations that are always covered by Part B. To learn more about Medicare covered vaccines and immunizations, visit CMS.gov or click here.
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Fraudulent QR Codes Continue to be Used in a Variety of Scams
Virginia SMP | August 29, 2022
The use and consumer familiarity with QR codes present an opportunity for businesses to direct current or potential customers to their websites, mobile apps, digital marketplaces, or anything else available on the internet. Restaurants often use them to allow their diners to access a digital menu, preventing the spread of contagions and saving the business money. Business cards can include a QR code that will direct to an online portfolio, complete with videos and more in-depth information about the services offered than what a standard business card can display. There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes. However, scammers are also taking note of the technology and using QR codes to carry out various schemes. (Read More)
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Dear VICAP Team,
I currently have Original Medicare but have been seeing ads for Medicare Advantage plans that have peaked my interest. While the marketing sounds really good, is a Medicare Advantage Plan better than Original Medicare? How do I choose and when can I enroll?
Dear Medicare Beneficiary,
Medicare beneficiaries can get their coverage either with Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as an MA or Part C plan). While there are many differences between the two, Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same benefits offered by Original Medicare, but can also apply different rules, costs, and restrictions. Here are a few differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans:
Costs
- Original Medicare: You will be charged the standard Part A and B costs and you are responsible for paying a 20% coinsurance for Medicare-covered services.
- Medicare Advantage: Your cost-sharing depends on your plan, and you usually pay a copayment for in-network care. In addition to your Part B premium, Medicare Advantage plans may charge a monthly premium.
Supplemental Insurance
- Original Medicare: you have the option to pay an additional premium for a Medigap policy to help cover gaps in Medicare coverage.
- Medicare Advantage: It is illegal to be sold a Medigap policy.
Provider Access and Referrals
- Original Medicare: You can see any provider and use any facility that accepts Medicare (both participating & non-participating). You do not need a referral to see a specialist.
- Medicare Advantage: You typically can only see in-network providers and need referrals to see specialists.
Drug, Vision, Dental and Hearing Coverage
- Original Medicare: Does not include drug coverage and you must purchase a separate drug plan (Part D plan). Original Medicare does not cover vision, hearing, or dental benefits.
- Medicare Advantage: May cover some vision, dental, and hearing benefits. Prescription drug coverage may be included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Out-of-Pocket Limit
- Original Medicare: No out-of-pocket limit
- Medicare Advantage: There is an Annual out-of-pocket limit. Once you reach that limit, the plan pays the full cost of your care.
Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, one plan is not better than the other. Both plans are simply different and some individuals may have preferences. Use this decision tree to review additional information.
Open Enrollment is around the corner and occurs every year between October 15th - December 7th. It is a period when Medicare beneficiaries can join a Medicare Drug Plan, change to a new Medicare Drug Plan, or Join or change a Medicare Advantage Plan. During Medicare's Fall Open Enrollment, beneficiaries can speak with a VICAP Counselor to review their healthcare coverage options.
To learn more about the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, click here.
 Contact the Arlington County VICAP team by phone or email:
703-228-1725
MedicareHelp@arlingtonva.us
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