Medicare beneficiaries should take a good look at their current Medicare drug and/or health plan coverage to determine whether they should remain with their current plan or perhaps switch to a different plan for next year. If you are satisfied with your current coverage, and if it is available next year, you will not have to take any action during the Annual Election Period (AEP), also called the annual open season. The AEP runs from October 15 to December 7. The new coverage begins on January 1. During the AEP, you can choose to keep your current plan or switch to a new plan.

If you need assistance making a decision, you can consult the Medicare Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. You also can contact the Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP) at 703-324-5851 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/vicap.htm. There you will find Medicare planning tools to help resolve issues and a list of presentations being held throughout the county on Medicare 101.