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.
Medicare Open Enrollment & the
2025 Reconciliation Bill
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Virtual
Arlington Neighborhood Village will feature Michelle Thomas, VICAP’s Program Coordinator, and Olivia Umoren, USAging’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy who will share insights into the following:
- The different types of Medicare plans
- Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (October 15th - December 7th)
- Changes beneficiaries can make during Open Enrollment
- Key Medicare/Medicaid updates in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill
Register for the virtual program 1 of 3 ways:
Registration closes September 3rd at 7 a.m.
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Emergency Planning
Workshop for Caregivers
Friday, September 26, 2025
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Walter Reed Community Center
2909 16th St S, Arlington, VA 22204
Join Arlington Department of Human Services, Aging and Disability Services and the Department of Parks and Recreation, 55+ Programs for a thoughtful and practical session designed to help caregivers prepare for emergencies—because being ready can make all the difference.
What to Expect:
- Actionable strategies for responding to natural disasters, medical emergencies, and unexpected events
- Guidance on creating personalized emergency kits and evacuation plans
- Resources to support caregiving under pressure
- Time for Q&A and connecting with fellow caregivers
Whether you care for aging parents, children with special needs, or loved ones with health challenges, this workshop equips you with tools and confidence to act swiftly and safely. Register by emailing arlaaa@arlingtonva.us.
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National Preparedness Month
Being prepared for a natural disaster is crucial to protecting your safety and well-being. Visit Medicare.gov/emergency to learn how to get the care you may need if an emergency is declared and you have to evacuate to a safe area.
Getting your prescription drugs during a disaster or emergency: You can move most prescriptions to another nearby in-network pharmacy, and back to your regular pharmacy when the emergency or disaster ends. Contact your Medicare drug plan if you need to use an out-of-network pharmacy.
Seeing a doctor during a disaster or emergency: If you have Original Medicare, you can always see any doctor who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, contact your health plan about making temporary changes, like using an out-of-network doctor during an emergency or disaster.
Learn more about accessing critical care (like cancer treatments or dialysis) or repairing or replacing equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers that were damaged or lost during a disaster or emergency).
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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month- a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether you’re facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources. When we stand together in strength, dignity, hope, and purpose, we can make a difference—we can help save lives.
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Scammers Sound Like They're Selling Health Insurance Virginia SMP | August 11, 2025
Looking for health insurance? Make sure that’s what you’re really getting. Some dishonest marketers make it sound like they’re selling health insurance – when you’re really just getting a discount plan. Read a story from the Federal Trade Commission about what to know. (Read more)
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Dear VICAP Team,
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Dear Medicare Beneficiary,
Knowing the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is an important step in helping you pick a plan that meets your health care needs.
Original Medicare is the traditional form of Medicare offered directly through the federal government. With Original Medicare, you will owe a 20% coinsurance for Medicare-covered services after meeting your deductible. Here is what you should know:
- You will owe Part B costs, including the monthly part B premium. You may also owe Part A costs. Click here to check if you qualify for premium-free Part A
- You will owe a 20% coinsurance for Medicare-covered services
- You have the choice to purchase a supplemental plan (Medigap policy) to help cover the cost-sharing
- You must purchase a Part D plan (prescription drug plan) separately for drug coverage
- You can see any provider and use any facility that accepts Medicare, and you do not need a referral to see a specialist
- Does not cover vision, dental, or hearing services
- Does not have an out-of-pocket limit
Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance plans that contract with the federal government to provide Medicare benefits. Here is what you should know:
- Some plans may charge a monthly premium in addition to the Part B premium
- You will usually pay a copayment for covered Medicare services, however your cost sharing may differ depending on the plan
- You cannot purchase a supplemental plan (Medigap policy) with a Medicare Advantage plan
- Seeing a provider outside of the plan's network may cost you more
- You may need a referral to see a specialist
- Most Medicare Advantage plans will provide prescription drug coverage but you may be required to pay a higher premium
- May cover additional services such as dental, hearing, or vision care
- Has an annual out-of-pocket limit. Once you have met the out-of-pocket limit for your plan each year, your plan will pay the full cost of your care
Remember that you can switch your plan each year during the Fall Open Enrollment Period which begins October 15th and ends December 7th. Reviewing your plan's coverage can help you decide if you should stay with, or switch to a different plan.
 Interested in joining our team? Click here to complete an online volunteer application or 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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