Medicare is often complex and confusing. The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) offer free one-on-one counseling to assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers understand Medicare benefits and best healthcare options. HICAP also offer community education presentations throughout Merced County.
Services
HICAP counseling services are provided by County staff and volunteers registered by the California Department of Aging. HICAP counselors act in good faith to provide their clients with unbiased information about the relative benefits of health insurance policies.
Counselors
HICAP registered counselors assist Medicare beneficiaries of any age in understanding:
Medicare Benefits and Rights
Medicare Supplemental Plans (Medigaps)
Medicare Extra Help Programs
Medicare Claim Notices
Prescription Drug Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans
Long-term Care Options
The Counselors also:
Educate on how to organize medical bills
Explain Medicare claim denials and assist with Medicare appeals
Explain prescription drug plan comparisons
Help identify Medicare fraud and abuse
Become a Registered Volunteer Counselor
We are in need of HICAP Counselors who are bilingual in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Punjabi.
HICAP Volunteer Counselors receive extensive initial training to learn Medicare. Those completing the training and internship hours will be registered with Califorina Department of Aging. The training is free and all materials are provided.
Learn More
For more information, set-up a counseling appointment, schedule a presentation, or sign up as a volunteer, please call HICAP at (209) 385-7550 or (800) 434-0222. Services are available in Merced, Livingston, Hilmar, Los Banos, and Planada.
HICAP does not sell or endorse, promote or recommend commercial insurance products or services. Please note that persons who hold a current license to sell insurance or who recieve financial or other payment from any health insurer are not eligible to become HICAP counselors.
"HICAP is a member of the National State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) network."
This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0094-01-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
