HICAP offers a rewarding role helping people with Medicare advice.

As people age, the importance of their healthcare insurance increases.  People are so grateful after they have been able to sit down 1-on-1 with an unbiased counselor who has helped them with their Medicare questions and issues.

The success of HICAP is achieved through retired, responsible, energetic, trained volunteer counselors who help Medicare beneficiaries in the following areas:

• Providing information/education about Medicare, program benefits and appeal rights
• Assisting in providing Medicare and supplemental claim forms
• Interpreting Medicare supplemental insurance policy benefits, exclusions, coverage and long-term care insurance
• Explaining the “pros” and “cons” of Medicare Advantage plans.

Counselors in the 6 counties we serve (Sonoma, Solano, Napa, Mendocino, Marin and Lake) advise older adults and their families on health insurance rights and choices, and are certified by the California Department of Aging to serve seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries who need assistance with Medicare and related problems. HICAP counselors provide factual, unbiased and free information and educational services.

Extensive certification training is provided then an in depth internship where knowledge is implemented through incremental co-counseling beside established counselors. During this phase, trainees are supported and strengthened. Counselors commit to a minimum of six sessions per month at assigned locations in their community with client appointments set by the HICAP regional office.  Throughout the year, 12 hours of ongoing training is required and provided through workshops.

The time you give as a volunteer counselor is important to the clients who turn to our program for help and advocacy.  You can know that the time given is well spent and also keeps you up-to-date on the latest changes within Medicare.

If you are interested, contact the Volunteer Coordinator or Program Manager for more details about the opportunity to join us and make a difference.

We look forward to meeting you!