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.
Making the Most of Medicare Open Enrollment
Monday, November 14, 2022 | 10:00 - 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, held virtually and in person will be live streamed from Walter Reed Community Center on Monday, November 14th at 2909 16th St S, Arlington, VA 22204.
To enroll in the in-person or virtual class through Arlington County’s 55+ Programs: Call 703-228-4747 (option 3) or email registration@arlingtonva.us.
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November is Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts how your body turns food into energy. It can lead to other conditions like damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerve damage, and can impact any age group.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 26.4 million people aged 65 years or older (48.8%) have prediabetes. For adults, diabetes is highest among Black and Hispanic/Latino men and women. Factors such as Income and education may also impact diabetes diagnosis.
Medicare provides coverage for several diabetes related services, such as:
• Diabetes Screening Tests
• Diabetes Self-Management Training
• Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Diabetes-Related Supplies
• Glaucoma Screening.
In addition, Medicare Part D 2023 changes include a $35 cost-sharing limit on a month’s supply of each covered insulin product. If you or a loved one is diabetic, click here for tips to help manage diabetes at home.
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False Advertising, Price Gouging is Unfair, Illegal
Virginiasmp | October 21, 2022
People often find that the cost of high-demand items skyrockets during times of emergencies such as ice storms, a severe cold snap, power outages, hurricanes, floods or other types of disasters. Better Business Bureau often receives reports about the frequency of scams involving sought-after items, such as face mask scams during the coronavirus pandemic, or high prices on gas, water, or hotel rooms after a natural disaster. Some state attorneys general offices have initiated state price-gouging laws, which automatically go into effect during a declared state of emergency in order to prevent businesses from over-charging customers. (Read More)
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Dear VICAP Team,
I'm creating a budget for next year and am wondering what my 2023 Medicare costs will be?
Dear Medicare Beneficiary,
Medicare costs and coverage can change each year. Here is a brief overview of new Medicare costs in 2023.
Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A Premium:
- Free if you've worked 40 quarters (10 years or more) and paid FICA taxes
- $278 per month if you have worked 30-39 quarters
- $506 per month if you have worked fewer than 30 quarters
Part A hospital deductible:
- $1,600 each benefit period
Part A hospital coinsurance:
- $0 for the first 60 days of inpatient care each benefit period
- $400 per day for days 61-90 each benefit period
- $800 per lifetime reserve day after day 90 in a benefit period
Skilled Nursing facility insurance:
- $0 for the first 20 days of inpatient care each benefit period
- $200 per day for days 21-100
Part B (Medical insurance)
Part B Premium: $164.90
Part D (Prescription drug coverage)
Your costs may not be limited to the amounts listed above. If you have a Medigap policy, your budget may look different because you pay a monthly premium for a medigap policy as well, and your medigap policy would help cover gaps in Original Medicare like deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. Your costs may also vary with a Medicare Advantage plan, as some people will need to pay a monthly premium in addition to their part B premium.
 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 (insert #), from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy. The SHIP/VICAP Grant # is 90SAPG0064
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