What Is HICAP?
The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is California’s version of the national State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). HICAP provides free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options.
What HICAP Can Help With
- Understanding your Medicare benefits and coverage options
- Comparing Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans
- Help with Medicare enrollment and paperwork
- Medicare billing problems and appeals
- Understanding Medi-Cal and dual eligibility
- Medicare Savings Program applications
- Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy applications
- Fraud and abuse reporting
Contact HICAP
HICAP has offices in all 58 California counties. To find your local HICAP:
- Statewide HICAP Hotline: 1-800-434-0222
- California Department of Aging: aging.ca.gov
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging
HICAP vs. Insurance Agents
HICAP counselors are volunteers who don’t sell insurance. They provide unbiased information about all your options. Licensed insurance agents, on the other hand, can help you compare specific plans and enroll. Both resources are free to you.
Is HICAP really free?
Yes. HICAP is a federally funded program. All counseling services are completely free and unbiased. Counselors do not sell insurance or receive commissions.
What is the HICAP phone number?
The statewide HICAP hotline is 1-800-434-0222. You can also find your local HICAP through your county Area Agency on Aging.