Questions and Concerns Regarding Medicare Can be Addressed by Alliance on Aging’s No-Cost HICAP Program
SALINAS, CA. (Sept. 5, 2023) — Medicare can often be a confusing and difficult plan to navigate, but thankfully the Alliance on Aging’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) can provide no-cost counseling, information, and assistance to local residents regarding the important program.
Program areas at Alliance on Aging’s HICAP program provides counseling and information to Monterey County residents on topics such as Medicare, health insurance benefits, and long-term care insurance. HICAP provides essential services to Medicare beneficiaries, including the elderly and those on Medicare due to a disability.
HICAP counselors must complete an intensive training and are registered with the California Department of Aging. They receive continuing education to remain aware of changes in the Medicare regulations.
HICAP can assist you with the following areas:
•Medicare benefits
•Supplemental (Medigap) insurance
•Medicare Advantage (MA) options
•Evaluate and identify the right Part D Drug plan
•Billing and claims procedures
•Assist on your behalf with providers
•Research Patient Assistant Programs (help with medication costs)
•Provide public speakers on Medicare-related issues
If you are a low-income senior, you may also be eligible for Medicare’s Extra Help program. Give AOA a call to see if you qualify. AOA’s HICAP staff can answer questions that you might have about the program or with online application.
If you have any questions on the Extra Help program, please call (800) 434-0222 or (831) 655-4244.
Alliance on Aging’s Medicare services are by appointment only. To schedule, please contact Elizabeth Corona (email: ecorona@allianceonaging.org) at (831) 655-4244 or (800) 434-0222. Para asistencia en español, favor de comunicarse con, Elizabeth Corona al numero (800) 434-0222 or (831) 655-4244.
For more information on the Alliance on Aging’s Medicare programs, go to https://allianceonaging.org/programs/medicare-counseling/.
About Alliance on AgingAlliance on Aging provides services and resources that address the challenges and opportunities for older adults in Monterey County. Alliance on Aging was established in 1970 by a group of concerned local citizens who wanted to help seniors remain safely in their own homes for as long as possible. This volunteer-driven organization which began as a single program with a handful of volunteers is now a multi-purpose senior service agency with over 200 volunteers. The largest non-profit provider of senior services in Monterey County, the Alliance on Aging outreaches over 20,000-plus individuals every year.Alliance on Aging programs include Medicare Counseling & Education (HICAP) , Senior Peer Counseling, Nursing Home Information & Advocacy, Tax Counseling for the Elderly, Benefits Checkup and a monthly Senior Outreach Luncheon in Salinas. Alliance on Aging staff and volunteers provide direct services, information and education to seniors, adult children, caregivers and “baby boomers” who are approaching and preparing for their senior years. The Alliance on Aging’s administrative and program offices are located at 247 Main St. in Salinas. Office hours at this location are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding national holidays). Program staff also occupy office space at the Monterey Senior Center at 280 Dickman Ave. in Monterey. Outreach staff make regular visits to seniors at sites and venues throughout the county. Spirals and Spirals by the Arch, unique consignment and benefit shops located in Pacific Grove and Salinas, help to support the programs of the agency.Alliance on Aging247 Main St., Salinas, CA 93901http://allianceonaging.org/(831) 758-4011