Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, and Local Office on Aging (LOA) is ready to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options and make informed decisions about their health coverage for the coming year.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. During this period, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review their current coverage and determine whether it continues to meet their healthcare and prescription drug needs.
Because plans, costs and coverage can change from year to year, LOA encourages Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage rather than assume their current plan will remain the best fit.
Through the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), LOA provides free, confidential and unbiased Medicare counseling. Trained counselors can help beneficiaries understand the enrollment process, compare available plans and costs, and better understand their coverage choices.
“Medicare can be complicated, and the number of choices can feel overwhelming,” said Ron Boyd, Local Office on Aging President & 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 and do not represent insurance companies or medical providers. Their role is to provide objective information and assistance so Medicare beneficiaries can make their own decisions with greater confidence.
During Medicare Open Enrollment, LOA will operate an off-site counseling center at Valley View Mall in Roanoke, VA on the upper level outside the former Sears space.
Counseling will be available Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., October 15 through December 7. Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments are recommended to help minimize wait times. The counseling center will be closed on Fridays, major holidays and the week of Thanksgiving.
Individuals who would like to schedule an Open Enrollment counseling appointment can contact Delaine Caldwell at 540-345-0451/Option 4 or dc*******@**aa.org.
Medicare assistance is not limited to the annual Open Enrollment period. VICAP counselors are also available to help individuals who are approaching Medicare eligibility and need guidance about when and how to enroll.
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. When an individual enrolls can affect when coverage begins, making it important to understand the process before reaching age 65.
Enrollment requirements can also vary depending on individual circumstances. Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare, while others must enroll themselves. Individuals who continue working after age 65 or who have health coverage through their own or a spouse’s employer may have different enrollment considerations and deadlines.
VICAP counselors can explain Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplemental, or Medigap, coverage. They can also help individuals understand enrollment timelines and how their current insurance or employment situation may affect their Medicare decisions.
Those approaching Medicare eligibility are encouraged to seek information early rather than waiting until their 65th birthday.
Individuals who need assistance understanding Medicare eligibility and enrollment can call Local Office on Aging 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.
