What is HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program)?
HICAP, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, was established by the California Department of Aging under 1984 legislation signed by Governor George Deukmejian. The program is designed to provide Medicare beneficiaries and persons 60 years of age and older with assistance in dealing with Medicare, HMOs, long-term care insurance, and other health insurance issues. The North Bay HICAP office assists people living or moving to Lake, Mendocino, Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties.
The success of the HICAP program is achieved through responsible, committed volunteers who want to help others. HICAP's staff and volunteers receive extensive training, both initially, as well as subsequent training workshops. Once a volunteer counselor has completed the necessary hours to counsel, they are registered with the California Department of Aging. All services are provided free of charge.
HICAP provides two main services--individual counseling and community education presentations, as follows:
HICAP Counseling Services
HICAP relies heavily on its volunteer counselors to provide individual assistance by helping people to:
Understand Medicare benefits;
Evaluate options to supplement Medicare;
Develop a system to organize their medical bills;
Review and appeal claim denials;
Explore long-term care options;
Clarify your rights as a health care consumer.
Community Education Presentations
HICAP offers community education presentations that can be specially designed to fit the needs of the group, or a general topic to serve the community at large. In addition to the presentation, HICAP will supply information packets, and will to allow for a sufficient question and answer period.
The following topics can be covered individually or in any combination::
A Medicare Overview
Medicare Supplement plans
Medicare Savings Programs and Low Income Assistance
Long-Term Care Insurance
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C Plans)
Medicare Part D
Call today for a presentation at 1-800-434-0222 or 707-526-4108 and ask for
Ken Palinkas at ext. 105.
Medicare Benefits
Click here for more information.
If you would like to learn about Medicare and supplemental health insurance plans and provide an important service for Seniors then contact us about our training and opportunities for volunteer HICAP counselors. We especially need bilingual volunteers. Call Ken Palinkas - HICAP Program Manager 1-800-434-0222.