Arlington County’s Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
(VICAP) is part of a national program that offers free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling and education to Arlington County Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to make informed decisions about their health benefits.
Making the Most of Medicare Open Enrollment
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Are you concerned that prescription costs have increased as your health needs change? Do you have new prescriptions or some not covered by your current Part D plan? Medicare plans can make changes every year to their costs and formulary (lists of drugs covered). Medicare Open Enrollment for Part D Prescription Drug Plans and Part C Medicare Advantage Plans runs October 15 through December 7.
Join a Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program representative for information on Medicare Open Enrollment and how to effectively use the Medicare Plan Finder and other tools to maximize savings. This course will be held both virtually and in person. Click a link below to register for one of the two courses.
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) honors National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15th - October 15th, by highlighting some of the common health disparities faced by Hispanic populations.
The CMS OMH reports that 30% of the Hispanic population aged 18 to 64 suffer from lower rates of health insurance coverage compared to non- Hispanics. In addition, like other minority groups, Hispanic populations are disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions and are 50% more likely to die from illnesses like diabetes or liver disease compared to White counterparts. Hispanic subgroups also face different degrees of health risks and higher needs for preventive screenings.
To ensure that Latino/Hispanic Americans have access to quality care and health insurance, CMS provides informational resources in multiple languages. Click here to explore medicare.gov in your preferred language. Click here to learn more about racial, ethnic, and gender differences in health care experiences and qualify of care for individuals with Medicare.
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Contacted About a Long-Lost Relative's Inheritance? Hold on a Minute
Virginiasmp | September 28,2022
The FTC has been getting reports of people getting letters in the mail from a law firm. They are, they say, looking for the heir of a multi-million-dollar inheritance. And they think it might be you. (Spoiler alert: it’s not.) (Read More)
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Dear VICAP Team,
My current Medicare plan sent me mail saying my premium will increase soon. I do not think I can afford the new premium amount and would like to consider other plan options. Where do I start?
Dear Medicare Beneficiary,
Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans can change their costs and coverage each year, so it is important to look at any changes that may occur within your plan. One of the best ways to do this is to review and assess your plan within the Medicare Plan Finder. If you do not have a medicare.gov account, you can create one using the Plan Finder. This tool helps users assess and compare Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans.
Other ways to assess your coverage is by:
- Reviewing your Evidence of Coverage or Annual Notice of Change.
- Contacting a Certified Medicare Counselor on the VICAP team who can walk you through your health insurance and prescription drug options.
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is a time when everyone with Medicare can change their Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) for the following year to better meet their needs.
Coverage will take effect January 1st of the following year.
 Contact the Arlington County VICAP team by phone or email:
703-228-1725
MedicareHelp@arlingtonva.us
This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0064, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy
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