Article by Katherine Hall, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
(Posted 2026 October)
Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7 each year, is a critical period for family caregivers of older adults to review your loved one’s current Medicare coverage, compare the options, and make any changes to fit their medical and financial needs for the coming year. If your loved one’s health has changed, they have new prescriptions, their preferred doctors or hospitals have shifted, or their budget has become tighter now is the time to consider important changes.
During this eight week window, you may need to juggle several tasks at once including comparing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, checking which doctors and specialists are in network, confirming that prescriptions and preferred pharmacies are covered, keeping track of enrollment deadlines, completing online and mailed forms, and looking closely at premiums, deductibles, and copays. All of this on top of your day-to-day caregiving responsibilities and Open Enrollment can feel complicated and stressful. But, you do not have to do this alone.
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging supports family caregivers during Medicare Open Enrollment through the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), which offers free, confidential, and unbiased counseling to help you understand benefits, compare plans, and meet enrollment deadlines. Trained counselors can review your loved one’s coverage, help identify potential savings or gaps, and guide you through choosing or changing plans during Open Enrollment.
Caregivers can attend the Medicare 101 and Medicare 102 webinars listed below and contact VICAP at 703-324-5851 for one-on-one assistance. Looking for additional support, information, or services to help you in your caregiving role? Contact the Aging, Disability, and Caregiving Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Family Caregiver Learning Opportunities
Brain Health and Dementia Resource Fair
Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hosted by the Dementia Friendly Fairfax Action Team at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax). This event features a series of presentations, including a performance of “Dementia Man, An Existential Journey,” an overview of Fairfax Adult Day Health Care Centers, a Goodwin Living StrongerMemory® overview, and a Dementia Friends Information Session. County and community-based organizations will host resource tables focused on brain health and dementia. Snacks, drinks, and lunch will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-register for a chance to win a wellness basket sponsored by Goodwin Living; walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Register now.
Brain Health Across the Lifespan Webinar
Friday, Oct. 9, 12-1 p.m.
George Worthington, Dementia Services Director for Virginia’s Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, will present on what we know and what you can do to support brain health across the lifespan. Knowledge about the impact of lifestyle and other factors on brain health has increased tremendously over the past fifteen years, with evidence now suggesting that up to half of dementias could be prevented or delayed. This session covers risk factors for dementia, the science behind them, and small changes that can make a big difference. Register online or call 571-407-6961.
Learn to be a Dementia Friend Webinar
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 12-1:15 p.m.
Learn about dementia and ways to effectively communicate with a person with dementia. Turn your new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone living in your community. Presented by Allegra Joffe, Supervisor with Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, and Diane Watson, Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer. Register online or call 571-407-6961.
Medicare 101 Webinar
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 12-1 p.m.
For individuals who will be eligible for Medicare and their caregivers to learn about the current options. The session provides an overview of the many components of Medicare: Part A (inpatient hospitalization/skilled nursing), Part B (outpatient hospital/doctors/labs/radiology), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Part D (prescription drugs), as well as how to cover the gaps in Medicare benefits through Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap). Register online or call 571-407-6961.
Medicare 102 Webinar
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 12-1 p.m.
For individuals interested in learning in-depth details of Medicare coverage. The session provides an overview of advanced Medicare details, including the Medicare.gov website, the latest regulatory changes, and key legislative proposals. Attendees have an opportunity to ask more complex Medicare questions. Register online or call 571-407-6961.
Learn to be a Dementia Friend Webinar for Spanish Speakers
Friday, Oct. 30, 12-1:15 p.m.
Presented in Spanish by Marina Giovannini, Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer. Learn about dementia and ways to effectively communicate with a person with dementia. Your new understanding of dementia into practical action that can help someone living in your community. Register online or call 571-407-6961.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).