The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is a state sponsored volunteer supported program that provides free assistance to people with Medicare and other Medicare health insurance related problems. HICAP provides unbiased information to help you make the best choice for your individual health care needs. In Humboldt and Del Norte counties, the Area 1 Agency on Aging administers the HICAP program. The California Department of Aging (CDA) provides funding and oversight of the local HICAP programs through contracts with local Agency on Aging offices. HICAP services are available in every county in California.
To find out whether a person qualifies for Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. In Eureka, call the Social Security office at (707) 445-9610 and in Crescent City, call (707) 465-5943.
Medicare Health Insurance Counseling
Who does HICAP Serve?
HICAP provides free counseling and advocacy to: current Medicare beneficiaries; people who are about to begin receiving Medicare benefits; adult children and other representatives of Medicare beneficiaries; people younger than 65 years old who are eligible for Medicare due to a disability; people needing information on Long-Term Care insurance.How can HICAP help you?
HICAP Counselors can provide you with information and counseling on: your Medicare benefits and rights, including how to appeal denials of coverage; Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) coverage; Medicare Advantage plans; Medicare Prescription Drug Plans; and Long-term Care Insurance.
HICAP Counseling Services are provided by trained counselors who are registered by the California Department of Aging and who act in good faith to provide information about health insurance policies and benefits.
HICAP does not sell, endorse, or recommend any specific insurance product. HICAP assistance is free and includes individual counseling and assistance and community education services. Speakers are available to speak to groups who request information on Medicare related issues.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
There are several enrollment periods for enrolling in Medicare, Medigap Plans, Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare Advantage Plans based on your individual eligibility dates. See the Fact Sheet titled, "Medicare Enrollment Periods" at www.cahealthadvocates.gov for more information.
If you're almost age 65 and you're not receiving early retirement Social Security benefits, you can apply for Medicare during your 7-month initial enrollment period (IEP). Your Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. Note: to apply for Medicare Parts A and B, you must contact the Social Security Administration yourself at www.SSA.gov or call your local Social Security Office. If you are younger than 65 & entitled to Medicare because of a disability or Railroad Retirement, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B in the 25th month of your disability payments, or sooner if you have either end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). You will need to sign up separately for a part D plan to cover your prescription drug benefits.
For Medigaps plans, new beneficiaries have an Open Enrollment Period that lasts for 6 months and begins on the first day of the month in which you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you apply for coverage outside of your Medigap open enrollment period, there is no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a Medigap policy unless you have circumstances that allow a guaranteed enrollment. People who are considered disabled through Social Security also have enrollment rights. Current beneficiaries may choose to change Medigap plans 30 days from their birthday each year.
For Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans, the Annual Enrollment Period is November 15 through December 31. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, you are encouraged to compare your current coverage to new plans being offered for plans beginning January 1. You can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also go the Medicare website and compare plans at: www.MEDICARE.gov. HICAP offers presentations about comparing plans or you can make an appointment to meet with a HICAP Counselor for assistance in comparing your options. There are also other Special Enrollment Periods depending on your individual situation. Please see the Fact Sheets at www.cahealthadvocates.org for additional information.
Top of PageLong Term Care Insurance Counseling
Medicare does not generally pay for long term care which includes Adult Day Care, Assisted Living and custodial care in a Skilled Nursing Facility. To cover these costs some people choose to purchase Long Term Care Insurance. HICAP provides objective counseling regarding Long Term Care Insurance including:
- Types of Long Term Care plans available
- Premium and coverage comparison
- California Partnership plans
- Comparison to Medi-Cal Long Term Care
See Fact Sheet from California Health Advocates at www.cahealthadvocates.org
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Medicare Fraud and Abuse
See Fact Sheet from California Health Advocates at www.cahealthadvocates.orgTop of Page
Volunteer Opportunities
HICAP provides a challenging volunteer training and internship for Certification as a Registered Volunteer HICAP Counselor with the California Department of Aging. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Counseling on a variety of insurance issues
- Presentations to the community and community events
- Meetings and trainings with other HICAP Counselors
- Creating articles and outreach materials
- Media interviews
Potential volunteers must submit an application. Contact the HICAP office for information on volunteer training.
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Speakers/Presentations
HICAP counselors are available to speak to groups on a variety of topics such as Medicare changes, Medicare Fraud and Medi-Gap. Contact the HICAP Office in your county for more information.
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Resources
The following resources provide important information on Medicare insurance and related issues: California Health Advocates at www.cahealthadvocates.org Medicare at www.medicare.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) My Medicare Rights at www.medicarerights.org Top of PageContact HICAP
Counseling Locations: Area 1 Agency on Aging in Eureka, Del Norte Area 1 Agency on Aging office in Crescent City, McKinleyville Senior Center, Arcata Community Center, Fortuna Community Services, Healy Senior Center in Redway.Humboldt County
Program Manager: Martha JohnsonVolunteer Coordinator: Suzi Hendry
HICAP Counselors: Gretchen Stadler, Maren Rose, Robert Nelson, Dwight Clark, Sheri Clark, Teresa Carney, Rene' Mahler, Joan Ormond, Debby Storre, Linda Anderson
Office Location:
434 7th St.
Eureka, CA 95501
Office Hours: 8:30-4:00 Monday-Friday
Appointments Available
Phone: (707) 444-3000 --- Toll Free: (800) 434-0222
Fax: (707) 442-3714
Email: hicapmanager@a1aa.org
Del Norte County
Program Manager: Martha JohnsonHICAP Coordinator: Kathy Horgan
HICAP Counselors: Helen DuVernay, Lois Munson, Cookie Estes, Rosemarie Affleck
Office Location:
550 E. Washington Blvd., Suite 200
Crescent City, CA 95531
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 10am-4pm, closed for lunch 12pm-1pm
Appointments Available
Phone: (707) 464-7876 --- Toll Free: (800) 434-0222
Fax: (707) 464-7877
Email: dnhicap@a1aa.org
Click here to find HICAP offices in other counties.
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