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The purpose of the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is to provide free, unbiased counseling and community education on Medicare A, B, C and D. Counselors can complete comparisons on all products of C and D, and retiree/employer group vs. Medicare. HICAP can assist with resolving billing issues applying for appeals.
HICAP counselors give advice regarding healthcare insurance options for those contemplating retirement. Advisors can offer assistance with filling out forms, submitting bills and completing other paperwork necessary for reimbursement.
The HICAP 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.
» Medicare & You 2025 — Official U.S. Government Medicare handbook (PDF)
» HICAP Information postcard (PDF)
Medicare Appointments
If you would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our free and unbiased Medicare counselors, please click on the box below to fill out the appointment request form online.
For additional information, email HICAP@Ventura.org or call VCAAA’s HICAP department at 805-477-7300 or 800-434-0222. You can also download the Comparison-Appointment Request Form and return it to us.
» HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request form (PDF-English)
» HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request form (PDF-Spanish)
Medicare & Benefits Enrollment Presentations
HICAP provides seminars around Ventura County focused on all things Medicare and benefits enrollment.
The following in-person community presentations are currently scheduled:
» May 20 — Palm Vista Senior Center (bilingual)
» May 22 — Wilson Senior Center
» May 23 — Camarillo Health Care District
» May 27 — Goebel Adult Community Center
» June 3 — Colonia Senior Center (bilingual)
» June 17 — Palm Vista Senior Center (bilingual)
» June 17 — Simi Valley Senior Center
» July 7 — Fillmore Active Adult Center
» July 18 — Camarillo Health Care District
» August 19 — Goebel Adult Community Center
» August 19 — Palm Vista Senior Center (bilingual)
» August 25 — South Oxnard Senior Center (bilingual)
» September 8 — Colonia Senior Center (bilingual)
» September 10 — Fillmore Active Adult Center
» September 23 — Palm Vista Senior Center (bilingual)
By site:
» Camarillo Health Care District (5/23, 7/18)
» Colonia Senior Center (6/3, 9/8 — bilingual)
» Fillmore Active Adult Center (7/7, 9/10)
» Goebel Adult Community Center (5/27, 8/19)
» Palm Vista Senior Center (5/20, 6/17, 8/19, 9/23 — bilingual)
» Simi Valley Senior Center (6/17)
» South Oxnard Senior Center (8/25 — bilingual)
» Wilson Senior Center (5/22)
HICAP also provides occasional presentations helping older adults learn to avoid falling victim to scams or fraud. Future presentations are TBA.
Videos
Gary Knows
Gary knows sports … but he doesn’t know Medicare. He — and anyone in Ventura County — can get help learning about Medicare through the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP).
Medicare Fraud Public Service Announcements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HICAP?
HICAP, short for Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program, is funded through the Older Americans Act. This service is free. The United States Department of Aging sends funding to the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services. HICAP is a 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.
What are the important dates to know?
Every year Medicare has its annual Open Enrollment 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 805-477-7300. HICAP services are free and unbiased. HICAP does not sell any products.
Where can I learn more?
Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) by visiting the California HICAP website or by calling 800-434-0222.
Information can also be found at Medicare.gov.
This project is 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 $363,309 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
