October 2026 Medicare Memo

Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period is almost here!

October 15-December 7, 2026

We have one more Open Enrollment Senior Center seminar scheduled. You do not need to register or be a member to attend. Loudoun VICAP can help you get ready by providing information about changes in Medicare costs and coverage coming in 2027.

Come learn, ask questions, and find out how VICAP can assist you during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

• Ashburn Senior Center - October 28, 10:00 a.m.
  20880 Marblehead Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147
  Call 571-367-8340 if you have questions

Be sure to read your Medicare plan’s “Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).”

What to Look for in Your ANOC - (what matters most):

Part D:

• Monthly premium – Is it going up, down, or staying the same?
• Deductible – Check prescription drug deductibles for changes.
• Cap on medication copays.
• Prescription drug formulary – This is one of the most commonly overlooked sections. Confirm your specific medications are still covered, and check if their cost tier has changed.

Medicare Advantage:

• Monthly premium – Is it going up, down, or staying the same?
• Health or drug deductible
• Copays and coinsurance – Look closely at costs for doctor visits, specialist visits, and hospital stays.
• Prescription drug formulary – This is one of the most commonly overlooked sections. Confirm your specific medications are still covered, and check if their cost tier has changed.
• Provider and pharmacy networks – Confirm your doctors, specialists, and preferred pharmacy are still in-network for the coming year.
• Extra benefits (Medicare Advantage Plans) – Dental, vision, hearing, and over-the-counter allowances can change year to year, sometimes significantly.
• Maximum out-of-pocket limit – What you may pay out of pocket in 2027, depending on your health needs in Medicare Advantage.

Loudoun VICAP can help you compare 2027 Medicare plan options. To request help:

1.  Click on this link. - Medicare Part D Plan Comparison Worksheet
2. Fill out the form (Sections that are starred are required).
3. Click “Submit.”

Mark your calendar and register to attend this resource fair on October 14. VICAP will be participating.

You can view the flyer below and click on the link to download:

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice

Protect yourself from Medicare scams during Open Enrollment 
— and year-round:

• Ignore unexpected calls from anyone who demands you share Medicare, personal, or financial information. Medicare will only ask you to verify information if you contact them first, and they won’t try to sell you anything or tell you to pay for your Medicare card. Only scammers do that.
• Don’t rely on your caller ID. It might show Medicare’s name or phone number, but caller ID can be faked. To check it out, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
• Get help to compare costs, coverage, and plans. Contact Loudoun VICAP, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), for assistance. Find information about your coverage options at Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government site for Medicare — or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Report Medicare impersonators and other Medicare scams at 1-800-MEDICARE. Then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) is your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Partner for Medicare fraud prevention.

Contact VICAP for free, unbiased assistance regarding Medicare benefits and options.

For more information:

• Visit VICAP Medicare Counseling
• Call 703-737-8036 
• Email VICAP