Medicare beneficiaries will have access to free, confidential and unbiased counseling through the Local Office on Aging during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
The Local Office on Aging is encouraging beneficiaries to review their current health and prescription drug coverage to determine whether it continues to meet their needs. Plans, costs and coverage can change from year to year.
Through the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program, trained LOA counselors can help beneficiaries understand enrollment requirements, compare plans and costs, and review Medicare coverage options.
“Medicare can be complicated, and the number of choices can feel overwhelming,” said Ron Boyd, Local Office on Aging president and CEO. “Our goal is to give individuals clear, unbiased information so they can make informed decisions about coverage based on their own healthcare needs and circumstances.”
LOA counselors do not sell insurance or represent insurance companies or medical providers. Their role is to provide objective information and assistance to help beneficiaries make their own coverage decisions.
During open enrollment, LOA will operate an off-site counseling center at Valley View Mall in Roanoke on the upper level outside the former Sears space. Counseling will be available Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments are recommended to minimize wait times. The counseling center will be closed Fridays, major holidays and the week of Thanksgiving.
To schedule an appointment, contact Delaine Caldwell at 540-345-0451, Option 4, or [email protected].
LOA also provides Medicare assistance to individuals approaching eligibility. VICAP counselors can help those nearing age 65 understand when and how to enroll and how their current insurance or employment circumstances may affect their options.
For most people becoming eligible for Medicare at age 65, the Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window that begins three months before the month they turn 65, includes their birthday month and continues for three months afterward. Enrollment timing can affect when coverage begins.
Counselors can explain Medicare Parts A and B, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplemental, or Medigap, coverage. They can also help individuals understand enrollment timelines and requirements.
Those seeking Medicare eligibility or enrollment assistance can call LOA at 540-345-0451 and ask to speak with a health insurance counselor.
For more information about LOA and its programs and services, visit www.loaa.org.
-The Salem Times-Register
