HOW CAN HICAP COUNSELORS HELP ME?

HICAP counselors can explain:

• Medicare benefits
• Health insurance terminology
• Supplemental (Medigap) insurance
• Billing and claims procedures
• Long-term care insurance
  

• Help you evaluate policies
• Assist on your behalf with providers
• Help with medical record keeping
• Provide the information you need to make informed decisions

• Charge for any service
• Sell any product
• Make your decisions for you
  

HOW DO I RECEIVE HELP WITH MEDICARE?

HICAP counselors are available on a "drop-in" basis at numerous sites throughout Monterey County. For schedule information or general information about HICAP contact the Administrative Office of the Alliance on Aging listed below.

HICAP counselors also see clients by making specific appointments at all of the locations listed below. Please contact the one that is most convenient for you to schedule a personal appointment.

Call 1-800-434-0222 for a Medicare advising appointment

SALLY GRIFFIN ACTIVE LIVING CENTER
700 Jewell Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

CARMEL
Carmel Foundation
Lincoln & 8th Streets
Carmel, CA 93921

HICAP is a statewide, state and federally funded program for Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and anybody who needs to know about Medicare. In California it is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program that is described in Medicare literature.

HICAP provides information, counseling, and assistance to consumers regarding the Medicare program, supplemental (Medigap) insurance, long term care insurance, and other health insurance issues. All of these services are rendered by highly trained, volunteer counselors who are certified by the California Department of Aging.

HICAP counselors must complete an intensive training program that prepares them to help with complex health insurance problems. Medical and human service professionals provide ongoing training so that HICAP counselors remain aware of changes in the Medicare regulations.

The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is supported by a grant from the California Department of Aging through the Monterey County Area Agency on Aging. Funding for this material is provided by the California Insurance Fund. This fund is not affiliated with an insurance company, but is a fund of the State of California. HICAP counseling services are provided by counselors registered by the California Department of Aging who are acting in good faith to provide information about health insurance policies and benefits to you, the client. 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. (Welfare and Instruments Code, Section 9758 (c), Chapter 869, Statues of 1990.)

Other Programs of the Alliance on Aging

• Senior Employment
• Senior Peer Counseling
• Information and Referral
• Tax Counseling
• Homeshare
• Ombudsman
• e-mail Our Staff
• Return to Home Page

For information on any of these programs, call 1-800-510-2020 toll free within Monterey County.

Or call: