Volunteers

The backbone and success of HICAP is achieved through the responsible, energetic, trained volunteer counselors who help Medicare beneficiaries by providing one-on-one counseling and:

• Provide information/education about Medicare, program benefits and appeal rights
• Provide assistance to complete Medicare and supplementary claim forms
• Interpret Medicare supplemental insurance policy benefits, exclusions and coverage language, and long-term care insurance
• Explain the "pros" and "cons" of Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) memberships
• Make referrals to HICAP staff or other appropriate community agencies

HICAP counselors receive 24 hours of training, plus 15 hours of internship; they then commit to a minimum of eight volunteer hours per month. Volunteers are required to attend subsequent informal meetings and training workshops.

Once a volunteer becomes a certified member of HICAP's counselor corps, they are assigned to a location, usually a senior center or social security office. Home visits can also be arranged when necessary.

Volunteer Counselors advise older adults and their families on their health insurance rights and choices, and are certified by the California Department of Aging and serve seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries who need assistance with Medicare and related problems.

HICAP counselors are not allowed to recommend or advocate any policy or plan. They provide factual, unbiased information. Clients are helped without regard to race, religion or national origin. All services are free.

For more information, or to schedule a workshop, please contact HICAP at (714) 560-0424 or (800) 434-0222.

To Volunteer, click here