Navigating the complexities of Medicare can be overwhelming, but Lassen County residents now have access to free, unbiased assistance through the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program.
HICAP, a state-sponsored, volunteer-supported program, provides counseling to individuals about their Medicare benefits, rights, and options, as well as other health insurance-related questions. The program is administered through the California Department of Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging.
The organization’s goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare by providing them with clear and unbiased information.
Who Can Benefit from HICAP?
HICAP services are available to a wide range of individuals, including:
- Current Medicare beneficiaries
- Adult children and other representatives of Medicare beneficiaries
- People about to become eligible for Medicare or planning for retirement
- People younger than 65 years old who are eligible for Medicare due to a disability
- Service providers like social workers, nurses, doctors, and healthcare advocates working with Medicare beneficiaries
- People needing information on long-term care insurance
How Can HICAP Help?
HICAP provides a variety of services, including:
- Explaining Medicare benefits and rights, including how to appeal denials of coverage
- Offering legal help and representation at Medicare appeals and administrative hearings
- Providing information on supplementing Medicare, such as Medigap plans, retiree plans, TriCare for Life, and VA health benefits
- Explaining Medicare Advantage plans, including HMOs, PPOs, PFFS, SNPs, and MSAs
- Offering information on Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) through stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PDs)
- Explaining low-income assistance programs like Medicare Savings Programs, Part D Low-Income Subsidy, and Medi-Cal
- Providing information on long-term care insurance
It is important to note that HICAP does not sell, endorse, or recommend any specific insurance product. Their services are free and include individual counseling and assistance, as well as community education services.
“HICAP Counseling Services are provided by trained volunteer counselors who are registered by the California Department of Aging and who are acting in good faith to provide information about health insurance policies and benefits to you, the client,” explains Program Manager Pamela Smith-Jimison. “This information shall not be construed to be legal advice, and the volunteer HICAP Counselor is generally not liable for acts and omissions in providing counseling to recipients of this service.”
The nonprofit is always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in Lassen County. Volunteers receive thorough training and have the opportunity to assist members of the Lassen County community in understanding their healthcare choices.
This can be especially valuable to local residents who may need guidance navigating Medicare and other healthcare options.
To learn more about HICAP and how they can help you, please contact the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program at 1.800.434.0222 or visit www.cahealthadvocates.org.
