Understanding Your Medicare Options

 

Illustration of older and younger person looking at a form

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions


Not sure which Medicare options to pursue? Not sure who you can trust? Find free, confidential and unbiased options counseling from an expert volunteer near you.

Read on to see if Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) is right for you. 

 

Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) offers one-on-one assistance, counseling, and education to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to help them make informed decisions about their care and benefits. For example, they can help you compare Medicare plans, find benefits you may be missing, or figure out confusing Medicare bills. 

For people with lower incomes, help paying for Medicare costs may also be available through a free program called Extra Help. Contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to get started.

Volunteer counselors are unbiased, and services are confidential.

Any Virginian who is eligible for Medicare can receive assistance from Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP). Generally, that is people age 65+ OR younger people who have a disability.

No. Assistance is free and confidential.

In most cases, you can speak with a Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program volunteer in person or over the phone. Contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to make an appointment.

The first step is to contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and ask to make an appointment with a VICAP counselor (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program). They can answer your questions about what to have on hand and what to expect during your appointment.

No. Counselors are volunteers and are not affiliated with any insurance company or health plan. They are not able to sell you insurance or even steer you toward a particular Medicare plan. Knowledgeable counselors provide information and answers so that you can weigh your options and make the decision that’s right for you. 

To learn more about this opportunity and become a part of the team, call 1-800-552-3402.
Volunteering can add fulfillment to life, increase social connection, and improve quality of life. Volunteers across the state volunteer to help others navigate a complex healthcare landscape. Your experience can have a meaningful impact on your community. 
 

For more details on the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), please visit the official VICAP website (click here).