HICAP Volunteer Counselors provide free, confidential, counseling service to directly assist eligible individuals better understand their Medicare benefits and services. Medicare benefits including Prescription Drug Plan Coverage, low income plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplemental options, Medicare Savings Programs Medicare and Medi-Cal (dually eligible) benefits, and long-term care insurance. HICAP provides information on long-term care planning and issues concerning long-term care. HICAP can also assist with referring Medicare matters involving Medicare appeals or insurance that require legal support.

Medicare Information/Counseling | HICAP - Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program - CCC EHSD

Programs that offer information and guidance for older adults and people with disabilities regarding their health insurance options with the objective of empowering them to make informed choices. Included is information about benefits covered (and not covered); the payment process; the rights of beneficiaries; the process for eligibility determinations, coverage denials and appeals; consumer safeguards; and options for filling the gap in Medicare coverage (Medigap supplement insurance). Also available is information relating to an individual's eligibility for benefits and assistance with evaluating their options and enrolling in a Medicare plan (A, B, C, and/or D) that will best meet their needs. These programs also address coordination of benefits when beneficiaries have other types of health insurance in addition to Medicare (e.g. Medicaid, employer coverage or retiree insurance) and provide counseling and assistance regarding the subsidies that are available to low income beneficiaries enrolled in the Part D Prescription Drug Benefit (which help pay for Part D premiums and reduce the cost of prescriptions at the pharmacy) and the Medicare Savings Programs which help pay for Medicare out-of-pocket costs. They may also provide information about Medicaid and the linkages between the two programs, referrals to appropriate state and local agencies involved in the Medicaid program, information about other Medicare-related entities (such as peer review organizations, Medicare-approved prescription drug plans, Medicare administrative contractors), and assistance in completing related Medicare insurance forms.

Medicare Information/Counseling

Provides hotline to obtain information on Medicare coverage, joining, address changes, and health plan options. Medicare replacement cards can be requested online, www.medicare.gov. Website is available in English and Spanish.

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Medicare Information/Counseling | HICAP - Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program - CCC EHSD

Medicare Information/Counseling | Medicare Hotline - Centers Medicare & Medicaid Service