Navigation Assistance Available During Medicare Open Enrollment Period

A DCHS CONNECT NEWS HIGHLIGHT 

October 28, 2021--Alexandria residents can make changes to their Medicare prescription drug plans during Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7, 2021. The Medicare health insurance program provides health coverage for people 65 years or older, or under age 65 with certain disabilities. 

Medicare Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage and all enrollees are encouraged to review their plans during this time to ensure their current plan continues to meet their needs. Plan members should ensure that their current plan is still offered, and it will cover all their medications at an affordable cost. Members should not assume that plan coverage will remain the same because each year plan costs and the medication coverage, can change.

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage Plan, provides all the members’ care including drug coverage at a single cost.  These plans may change the fees for doctor’s appointments, participating providers, pharmacies and medication costs.

During Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can also:

Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage.
• Cancel a Medicare Advantage plan and return to original Medicare with a Part D plan.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan offering drug coverage.

All changes will be effective January 1, 2022. Beneficiaries who are satisfied with their current plan, and whose plans are still available, do not need to do anything.

The Virginia Insurance and Counseling Program (VICAP) helps Alexandria residents understand the changes to Medicare coverage and compare plans. Residents can request assistance by calling the Division of Aging and Adult Services intake line at 703.746.5999.  Medicare beneficiaries may also request assistance at City of Alexandria VICAP.

During Open Enrollment, residents need to be aware of Medicare Fraud. Residents should not accept calls from insurance brokers or other selling insurance products, provide personal information to persons promising to explain Medicare or offering plan signup. Carefully read any mail that offers Medicare benefits and call 1.800.MEDICARE to make plan changes. To report suspected fraud or abuse, call Senior Medicare Patrol at 1.800.938.8885.  

The Virginia Insurance Counseling Program (VICAP) is a free program offering individualized counseling to help with a wide range of insurance-related issues. VICAP for residents of the City of Alexandria is based in the Department of Community and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult and supported by certified volunteers. 

For more information visit alexandriava.gov/Aging.