Medicare 101
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 10:00AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Virtual

Medicare 101, led by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), is for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or currently have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. This presentation will include:

• An overview of Medicare
• Medicare Enrollment Periods
• Costs and Benefits
• What’s new in Medicare for 2026

Meeting details will be sent to participants the Friday afternoon before the presentation. Registration is required. Register by Friday, February 6.

Register in one of three easy ways:

• Call 703-228-1725
• Email MedicareHelp@arlingtonva.us
• Click here to complete an online registration form

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

The annual Medicare Advantage (MA) Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1st through March 31st each year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1st may switch to another MA plan with or without drug coverage. Alternatively, the beneficiary may drop their MA plan and return to Original Medicare by enrolling in a Part D prescription drug plan.  

Click here to view Arlington VICAP’s website to learn more and obtain help with Medicare plan options.

Announcement of Negotiated Prices for 2027 Selected Prescription Drugs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the negotiated prices for 15 high-expenditure, single-source drugs and biological products under the second round of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D include Ozempic and Wegovy, Telegy Ellipta, and Xtandi. The negotiated prices, known as maximum fair prices, are based on negotiations and agreements reached between CMS and participating drug companies, and take effect on January 1, 2027. CMS estimates that Medicare beneficiaries will save $685 million in out-of-pocket costs. Click Here to see CMS' Press Release.

February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. Since 1999, the rate of deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke in America has declined. While much progress has been achieved in reducing the death rate, heart disease and stroke still remain the number one and number three causes of death in the U.S., and a major cause of disability and reduced quality of life. Found more often among people aged 65 or older, heart disease is largely preventable.

Medicare provides coverage of the following cardiovascular screening blood tests for the early detection of cardiovascular disease or abnormalities associated with an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke:

• Total Cholesterol Test
• Cholesterol Test for High-density Lipoproteins
• Triglycerides Test

Coverage of cardiovascular screening blood tests is provided as a Medicare Part B benefit. The beneficiary will pay nothing for the blood tests (there is no coinsurance or copayment and no deductible for this benefit). Click here to read more or visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute website for additional resources.

Scammers are impersonating the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Virginia SMP | November 28, 2025

If you own a business or know someone who does, you know how important a trademark is for protecting your intellectual property. Scammers do, too, and they’re impersonating the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to steal your money. Here’s how the scam works. (Read More)