Two health coverage deadlines: Medicare by Dec. 7, the state Marketplace by Jan. 29

The short version: Medicare's open enrollment ends Monday, Dec. 7 (Medicare.gov). Virginia's Insurance Marketplace is open Nov. 1 through Jan. 29, and you need to sign up by Dec. 31 for coverage that starts Jan. 1 (State Corporation Commission; Marketplace help center). Free, non-sales help is available for both.

Medicare: Oct. 15 to Dec. 7

During this window, people with Medicare can join, drop or switch a Medicare Advantage plan or a drug plan. They can also move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes take effect Jan. 1, and the plan has to receive your request by Dec. 7 (Medicare.gov).

Medicare.gov's advice is to put every prescription you take regularly into the plan finder, and to ask your doctors and pharmacy whether they're in the plan's network (Medicare.gov). Plans change year to year, so a plan that worked this year may not next year.

Free local help. Virginia's free Medicare counseling program, VICAP, is offered only through local area agencies on aging (Virginia DARS). For Buchanan County, that's the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, which serves Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell (AASC). VICAP counselors don't sell insurance (Virginia DARS). Call AASC at 276-964-4915 and ask for a VICAP counselor (AASC). Book early to leave time to compare options.

AASC also runs the Senior Medicare Patrol, for reporting Medicare fraud. The hotline is 1-800-938-8885 (AASC). Be wary of anyone who calls you unasked to "update" your Medicare card or plan.

The state Marketplace: Nov. 1 to Jan. 29

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace sells individual and family health plans, including options for people whose jobs do not offer affordable coverage. It's the only place to get financial help lowering monthly premiums (Marketplace).

Key dates for 2027 coverage:

• Open enrollment: Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 29, 2027. This window is shorter than past years because of a federal change (Marketplace federal changes).
• Sign up by Dec. 31 for coverage starting Jan. 1 (Marketplace help center).
• After Jan. 29, you generally can't enroll unless you have a qualifying life event, like losing other coverage, marriage or a new baby (SCC).

New state savings. There's a new Virginia Premium Savings program for 2027. Households earning between 138% and 250% of the federal poverty level may qualify, subject to the program’s other eligibility rules. The SCC says it lowers premiums by $65 to $90 per person a month on average, and by as much as 70%. The program has a $150 million budget and pays out first-come, first-served (SCC). That makes enrolling early worth it.

Some lose federal tax credits. Starting in 2027, some lawfully present non-citizens no longer qualify for federal premium tax credits. They can still buy Marketplace plans and may qualify for state savings (Marketplace federal changes).

Help. The Marketplace call center is 888-687-1501. During open enrollment it's open weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon (SCC). The Marketplace site has a search for free in-person helpers in your area.

What to do this week

1. On Medicare? Check next year's plan against your prescriptions now, or book a VICAP appointment to leave time to compare your options.

2. Buying your own coverage? Check prices and savings on the Marketplace and enroll by Dec. 31 to be covered on Jan. 1.

3. Not sure which one applies to you? The Marketplace call center and AASC can both tell you.

Sources

• Medicare.gov, Joining a plan
• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Medicare Counseling
• Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, home page and Care Coordination
• Virginia State Corporation Commission, 2027 plans news release, Oct. 1, 2026
• Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, home, Federal changes, What is Open Enrollment?