So shortly after my original post I saw this:
It’s January…time for the new 2019 VCP certifications! - VMware Education Services
I also noticed a new exam listed in Pearson (2V0-22.19) but cannot schedule it until 1-7-19.
The blog post also says "If you meet all the requirements in 2019 (starting on January 16), you’ll earn the 2019 certification." So I feel even more confused and disappointed in the process now since my certification expires 2 weeks from tomorrow. I'm not sure If I will be able to schedule the new exam and study for the new material before my certification expires. I don't feel like it benefits me or my employer who is paying for the exam for me to certify in a new product. There is also the possibility of taking the Delta exam which technically has a different exam code but this still seems like a racket to me...
