Medicare Support For Seniors and People With Disabilities
Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Choosing the right coverage can be overwhelming.
3 out of 4 Medicare beneficiaries describe the program as “difficult to understand.”
Over 1 in 3 seniors have gone without basic necessities like food to pay for healthcare.
Nearly 1 in 4 older adults skip medications because of their high cost.
With all the complex terms and options, choosing Medicare coverage can feel like deciphering another language.
Studies show that many Medicare beneficiaries don’t fully understand their coverage. This means low-income seniors and people with disabilities can leave thousands of dollars on the table each year. Some end up with lapses in coverage or get hit with devastating, unexpected bills.
We simplify the process.
Our experts help older adults and people with disabilities navigate the complexities of healthcare coverage.
We provide free counseling and support around Medicare, Medi-Cal, Long-Term Care Insurance, and other related issues, so each client can make the choice that’s right for them.
Our counselors help clients:
Understand benefits and rights.
Compare Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) plans.
Compare Medicare Part D drug plans.
Compare Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO) options.
Compare dual eligible (Medicare + Medi-Cal) options.
Explore Long Term Care plans and financing.
Appeal Medicare claims denials.
Access financial assistance for Medicare premiums and costs.
Untangling Health Care Coverage
Unbiased Counseling
We do not sell, endorse, or promote commercial insurance products or services. This means we can provide clients with support in their best interest.
Clear Charts
We lay everything out in easy-to-understand charts that allow clients to see all their options. Our experts explain each option to help clients make informed decisions.
Experienced Advocacy
We advocate for clients who have problems accessing medically necessary care or prescriptions. Our experts work directly with Medicare and other healthcare administrators to improve access.
Administrative Appeals
Our lawyers help clients contest Medicare coverage rejections for their health or drug plan. We assist with written appeals and appeals before an Administrative Law Judge.
Medicare Attorney Support
For issues that require lawyer support (like Medicare appeals), we have an experienced Medicare attorney on staff. Please contact us to make an appointment with a HICAP counselor, who will gather information about your case and refer you to our in-house HICAP attorney.
Meet our team.
Our HICAP team includes experienced lawyers and staff members, as well as a group of trained volunteer counselors. All HICAP counselors are registered with the California Department of Aging.
Get help.
If you qualify for Medicare and need support, get in touch to learn more about HICAP.
Support equity for seniors.
Join us in our mission to get vulnerable older people the legal support they deserve.
Testimonials
Great service! Thank you. Took the mystery (misery) out of the decisions.
I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
After nearly two years, I now understand my Medicare/Medi-Cal coverage.
This project is administered by Elder Law & Advocacy and supported by the California Department of Aging and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services (AIS). This project was supported, in part, by grant number 90SAPG0094-03 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Washington D.C. 20201. This publication was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $208,707 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.