So, in California in 1984 a state law established the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program called HICAP. The program is intended to assists individuals and families with Medicare problems and other health-related concerns. Twenty-four HICAP service providers cover all 58 counties of the State.

Similiar programs are now in every State, two territories, and the District of Columbia. They are referred to as Insurance Counseling and Assistance or (ICA). A new national ICA Resource Center has just opened in Washington, D.C. under the National Association of State Units on Aging.

Trained volunteer counselors provide objective information on Medicare and health insurance. These counselors are available at senior centers, senior nutrition sites, libraries, hospitals, and community centers. Counselors may also visit the homebound individual unable to come to a site. The goals are to help you:

• understand Medicare
  
• compare Medicare and supplement plans
  
• review HMO's (health maintenance organizations) or Managed Care options
  
• develop a system to organize your doctor and hospital bills
  
• file Medicare and private insurance claims
  
• prepare Medicare appeals or challenge claims denials
  
• learn about government assistance programs
  
• explore long-term care options
  
• clarify your rights as a health care consumer
  
• information through community forums about the myths and realities of Medicare and private health insurance;
  
• counseling and advocacy to assist individuals with health billing claims and insurance;
  
• legal representation and advice when necessary and appropriate.

HICAP counselors are trained volunteers, registered by the California Department of Aging. They provide independent impartial information. HICAP volunteer counselors do not sell you any type of health care coverage. They do not endorse or recommend any specific plan or policy. Counselors are acting in good faith to provide information about health insurance policies and benefits to you, the client. This information shall not be construed to be legal advice, and the volunteer HICAP counselor is generally not liable for acts and omissions in providing counseling to recipients of this service.