Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP)

Mission:
VICAP is dedicated to providing free, unbiased, and confidential counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries across Virginia, including residents of Louisa County and surrounding areas.

Services Provided

• Medicare Counseling:
• Guidance on Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap, and Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus).
• Assistance with understanding and comparing health and prescription drug plans.
• Insurance and Benefits Assistance:
• Help with long-term care insurance questions.
• Support with health care appeals, denials, and identifying eligibility for low-income subsidies.
• Assistance with filing for medical benefits and low-income subsidies, including the Extra Help Program and Medicare Savings Programs.
• Fraud Prevention:
• Education and support to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse in collaboration with the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
• Preventive Health Education:
• Information on a wide range of Medicare-covered preventive services, such as screenings, vaccinations, and wellness visits.
• Volunteer Opportunities:
• The COMPASS team offers volunteer roles to help educate, counsel, and assist Medicare beneficiaries.

Who They Serve

• All Medicare beneficiaries, including those under 65 with disabilities.
• Individuals seeking help with Medicare-related questions, plan comparisons, and benefits applications.
• Residents of Louisa County and all Virginia localities, served through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Medicare beneficiary or assisting a Medicare beneficiary.
• Some financial assistance programs have income and resource limits (e.g., for 2024: $1,903/month for singles, $2,575/month for couples; resources up to $17,220 for singles, $34,360 for couples, excluding home, car, household items, burial plot, or life insurance).

How to Access Services

• Counseling is provided through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).
• Services are free, confidential, and unbiased. VICAP counselors are trained and certified but do not sell insurance.

Additional Information

• VICAP also offers educational outreach and materials on Medicare fraud prevention.
• The program supports caregivers and families in navigating complex Medicare and insurance issues.
• Volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in supporting the program’s mission.