Coastal Virginia · Useful information, close to home
Senior Resources: Benefits, Dates & Local Rides
Practical starting points for Medicare enrollment, Virginia Medicaid, transportation and everyday help.
Important dates →Find a ride →Keep these dates handy
Medicare & Medicaid: when to act
Information checked October 13, 2026. Your eligibility and enrollment options depend on your situation; use the official contacts below for individual help.
October 15–December 7, 2026
Medicare annual Open Enrollment
Review Medicare health and prescription-drug plans. Changes made during this window generally begin January 1, 2027; the plan must receive your request by December 7.
Medicare enrollment rules →January 1–March 31, 2027
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
For people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage: an opportunity to change Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare and join a separate drug plan. This is not a general enrollment window for everyone.
Check who can make a change →Around your 65th birthday
Your initial Medicare window
The usual seven-month period begins three months before your birthday month and ends three months after it. Disability, existing coverage or other circumstances can affect your options.
Check your enrollment timing →Applications accepted year-round
Virginia Medicaid
You can apply at any time. Eligibility depends on the program and your circumstances; do not assume that Medicare enrollment automatically enrolls you in Medicaid.
Virginia Medicaid application questions →Use the date on your notice
Medicaid renewal reminders
There is no single renewal deadline for everyone. Keep your mailing address current, read every renewal notice and return requested information by its stated deadline. Some renewals are completed automatically; others require action.
Cover Virginia: 1-855-242-8282.
Renewal instructions →Help before you choose
Talk with a Medicare counselor
Virginia’s VICAP is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Ask about personalized Medicare counseling through 1-800-552-3402. Keep a list of your prescriptions, providers and current coverage for the conversation.
VICAP contact information →Keep insurance IDs, financial documents and health details out of CVA event submissions. Send application information only through the relevant official service.
Getting there matters
Senior rides & transportation in Hampton Roads
Start with where you live, where you need to go and whether you need door-to-door assistance. Confirm the return journey as well as the pickup.
Southside & Western Tidewater · Ages 60+
I-RIDE: errands, visits & appointments
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia provides free rides for adults 60+ in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight and Southampton County. Destinations are generally within about a 30-minute drive; confirm your trip with dispatch.
Service hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Booking two weeks ahead is encouraged; nearer requests depend on availability. Wheelchair-lift vehicles and assistance are available. Adult-daycare trips have a separate fee policy.
No smartphone needed: call 757-461-9481.
I-RIDE booking & service details →Peninsula · Eligibility review required
Peninsula Agency on Aging rides
For adults 60+ who lack other transportation, cannot access public transportation or afford private transportation, and are not eligible for Medicaid transportation. Schedule routine medical appointments in advance within the agency’s weekday appointment window, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and York County: 757-873-0541.
Williamsburg and James City County: 757-345-6166.
Accessible public transportation
HRT Paratransit
Paratransit requires eligibility approval; it is not automatic with senior status. Review the application before trying to book. Certified riders can call 757-455-8010 for reservations.
Applications, fares & reservations →Shared rides in designated zones
HRT OnDemand
Check whether both ends of your trip fall inside a current service zone. Phone booking is available at 757-859-8294. This is shared public transportation, not a senior-only door-to-door service.
HRT’s page describes a pilot running through October 2026. Confirm current service before relying on it for a future trip.
Check zones & current service →Medicaid-covered medical trips
Non-emergency medical transportation
If you have Virginia Medicaid, ask your health plan about transportation to covered services. Booking contacts and requirements depend on your coverage. Use DMAS’s current transportation contacts rather than an old phone list.
DMAS transportation contacts & member guidance →Before you reserve
Five questions for any ride service
- Does it serve both my pickup and destination?
- Can I reserve the return trip?
- What is the total cost?
- Is there assistance from my door, and space for my mobility device?
- Can a companion travel with me?
For commercial rideshare or taxis, also check accessibility and assistance directly; a standard booking does not guarantee either.
A more connected week
Things to do, meals & everyday support
Try a local senior center
Virginia Beach’s Forever Young program offers social outings and gatherings, with a free day pass to try it. Bayside also offers a meal program through Senior Services; intake and advance meal ordering are required.
Forever Young & meal information →Start with one enjoyable plan
Choose a class, a lunch, a game or an outing with grandchildren. Confirm the cost, walking involved and access arrangements. A familiar recurring activity can make returning easier.
Browse senior events & city programs →For local food, housing and other support referrals, visit Virginia 211.
Free CVA email updates
Sign up for senior-event updates
Tell us where you would like to find things to do. Seniors, family members and caregivers are welcome. No account is needed.
This signs you up for CVA emails; it does not reserve a place at an event. Privacy policy →
A useful reason to stay connected
Have a question or an event to share?
Tell CVA which city and topics interest you. Choose email updates, request a reply, or share an event for editorial review.
There is no need to create an account. Your contact details stay off the public page. Signing up does not automatically send your information to a senior community or sponsor.
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