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Elder Abuse Hotline: 805-654-3200
ATTENTION: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! If you speak another language, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call TTY: 1-800-735-2922 or 711

Area Agency on Aging Area Agency on Aging
Dementia Friendly Aging and Disability Resource Center Meals On Wheels LGBT Aging 2020 National Mature Media Awards Winner LIVEWell Guide VCAAA Foundation Donation
  • Home
  • Advisory Council
    • Member Biographies
    • Agendas
    • Subcommittees
    • Become a Member
  • Our Services
    • Aging & Disability Resource Center
      • Information & Assistance
    • Benefit Enrollment Center
    • Care Management & Social Services
      • In-Home Support
      • Caregiver Services
    • Emergency Services
    • Fall Prevention
    • Health Insurance Counseling (HICAP)
    • Housing
    • Legal Services
    • Nursing Facility Services
    • Senior Employment Training
    • Senior Nutrition Program
      • Meal Service Locations
      • Health Promotion Programs
      • Senior Nutrition Garden
      • Recipes and Resources
    • Transportation
  • For Providers
    • Public Notice & Request for Proposal
    • Vendor Service Tools
    • Grantee Service Tools
  • News & Events
    • Calendar
    • VCAAA Videos
    • Press Releases
    • Publications & Awards
    • COVID-19
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
      • Subscribe to E-Notify
      • Nondiscrimination
    • Mission
    • Employment
    • Volunteers
    • Planning & Strategy
    • Advocacy
      • Dementia Friendly Ventura County
      • Legislative Issues
      • Ombudsman
      • Employ Older Workers
      • LGBT+ Aging
    • Resources

Health Insurance Counseling (HICAP)

A A A

Medicare 2021 Open Enrollment Presentations (English)
Medicare 2021 Open Enrollment Presentations (Spanish)
Medicare 2021 Open Enrollment One-Stops (English)
Medicare 2021 Open Enrollment One-Stops (Spanish)

Click here to access the 2021 Medicare eHandbook

Click here to access the Part D Comparison Online Form

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
The purpose of HICAP is to provide free unbiased counseling and community education on Medicare A, B, C, & D. HICAP completes comparisons on all products of C & D, retiree/employer Group vs. Medicare. HICAP resolves billing issues, and helps apply for appeals.  HICAP’s speaker bureau gives presentations on Medicare 101, Prevention Services, Long Term Care, on all aspects of Medicare products, and on Medicare changes for the new year. HICAP gives advice regarding healthcare insurance options for those contemplating retirement.

Health Insurance Information and Assistance
Agencies offer assistance with filling out forms, submitting bills, and completing other paperwork necessary for reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is HICAP-Medicare Program?
HICAP is short for Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program funded through the Older American Act. This service is free. The United States Department of Aging sends funding to the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services. HICAP is national volunteer Medicare program that gives free and unbiased counseling, and comparisons on all Medicare Health Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. The HICAP program also resolves Medicare, HMO, and Prescription Drug complaints for Medicare beneficiaries.

How does it work?
Every year Medicare has its Annual Election Period beginning October 15 through December 7. This is the time all Medicare beneficiaries need to re-evaluate their health plan and prescription drug plan.

Why would a Medicare beneficiary need to reevaluate his or her current plan?
Medicare plans change every year, so it is important to reevaluate your plan every year. If you are a low-income subsidiary for Medicare Part D or a Medicare beneficiary, you will have to reevaluate your plan during the open enrollment period. HICAP can help you complete your choice for a plan that is right for you. You want to make sure that you don’t incur more expenses because your plan changes. Be aware that some plans terminate their contract with Medicare.

How does someone enroll to receive help?
If you will soon be eligible for Medicare or if you are already a Medicare beneficiary, you can call the HICAP program for a personal appointment to go over all your options on Medicare at 805-477-7310. HICAP services are free and unbiased. We do not sell any products.

Contact Your SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program):
 Click here to visit the California HICAP website or call 1-800-434-0222

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0052-03-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs National Network
California Department of Aging

Location Information

  • Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
  • 646 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003
  • 805-477-7300
  • LOIS.VCAAA@ventura.org
  • www.referweb.net/vcaaa

Quick Links

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Resources

  • ReferWeb: Search for Services
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  • More...

© 2021 • Ventura County Area Agency on Aging