Virginia Insurance Counseling Assistance Program Available for Area Residents

Are you confused as to what type of insurance you need or if you have enough coverage? Is it becoming more difficult to understand your medical bills? If so, Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens can help you navigate through these processes.

Individual insurance counseling assistance in available through AASC’s Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP). Trained VICAP counselors in our community can provide confidential assistance to individuals free of charge. VICAP is part of a national network of programs that offers FREE, unbiased, confidential counseling and assistance for people with Medicare.

Counseling topics can include Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap and Long-term care insurance. VICAP counselors are not licensed to sell insurance, they are trained and certified to help you understand and compare benefits, assist with filing for benefits based on income and resources, and inform you of your rights. Working with Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), VICAP counselors will help educate and empower beneficiaries to take an active role in detecting and preventing health care fraud and abuse.

VICAP counselors can help all Medicare beneficiaries, including those with disabilities and younger than 65 and explore options that best meet their needs. Counselors will help you compare the quality of care and services given by health and prescription drug plans available in your area.

Open enrollment begins on October 15, 2015 and continues through December 7, 2015. If you are interested in speaking with a VICAP counselor please contact Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens to make an appointment with a trained counselor. Due to an increase in volume, walk in appointments will not be able to be accepted. Counselors will be available Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. You can contact AASC at 276.964.4915.

AASC is one of Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging designated by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services to carry out the department’s mission to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with communities at the local level. AASC offers information and services for older adults residing in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit the organization’s website at www.aasc.org or call toll-free at 1-800-656-2272.