Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance
Services Provided
The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) provides free, unbiased, confidential insurance counseling for those with Medicare.
We provide help in understanding:
- Medicare eligibility and enrollment deadlines
- Medicare supplemental policies known as Medigap insurance
- Medicare managed care plans
- Medicare drug insurance plans
How to reach us
Depending on your need, volunteer counselors provide free counseling by telephone or in our office. To talk to a counselor or schedule an appointment, call 703-777-0257 and ask for a VICAP Medicare Counselor.
Important new deadline
In 2011, there is an important new deadline for Medicare beneficiaries to change their coverage for next year.
Open enrollment now runs October 15 to December 7 (instead of November 15 thru December 31, as in previous years.)
Open enrollment gives you a chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans or switch to another Medicare Prescription insurance plan. Medicare beneficiaries who have never had prescription coverage may also sign up at this time.
Beginning October 15, all Medicare beneficiaries should compare their current coverage with their options for next year. You have until December 7 to switch plans and the new coverage begins January 1. If you do nothing, most will remain in their current plan.
Every year, the prescription insurance plans change covered medications, monthly premiums, and drug co-pays, so it is very important to get an analysis of your options. You may be able to save money by switching to a different plan.
In Loudoun County, Medicare beneficiaries may receive help in understanding their Part D Prescription options by requesting a Part D Analysis from the Area Agency on Aging VICAP Program. To request an analysis, submit a Medicare Part D Worksheet. There are three ways to obtain the worksheet: