Senior Resources

HICAP - Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program

Nobody likes dealing with health insurance. When we're ill, the last thing we want to worry about is what's covered. Health costs can be staggering, and just about everyone worries about what the future will hold as our health declines. What is Medicare? What does it cover? Am I eligible? How do I sign-up? Who could possibly help me figure all this out without trying to sell me something I don't need?

HICAP can help you! HICAP is a volunteer-supported program that provides free counseling and educational services for older adults and their families. You can arrange for an individual counseling appointment with a HICAP counselor to get the most current information available to help you find your way through the maze of health insurance regulations and coverage. If you want to know what benefits and services you're entitled to and how the health care system works, call and make an appointment.

Through working with a HICAP counselor, you will get unbiased information to help you make the best choices for your individual health care needs as HICAP counselors cannot sell, endorse, or recommend any specific insurance.

HICAP can help you understand:

1. Your rights as a health care consumer.
2. Medicare benefits, including how to appeal Medicare and HMO denials.
3. Medicare and health insurance jargon .
4. Private Medicare supplemental health insurance policy benefits and exclusions.
5. HMOs and how they work including emergency assistance with denials.
6. Long-term care insurance.

To make an appointment or for additional information, call (949) 461-3408 and leave your name and phone number. Appointments are available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Lake Forest Community Center (25550 Commercentre Drive, First Floor).