About the Program
The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides free, confidential, one-on-one counseling and education to help people understand their health insurance options.
HICAP helps individuals and their families make informed decisions about Medicare, Medi-Cal, and long-term care insurance, and can assist with resolving insurance-related issues.
Who It’s For?
Counseling
You may qualify if you are:
• Age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare.
• Under age 65 with a disability and enrolled in Medicare.
• Approaching eligibility for Medicare.
Community Education
Individuals of any age may attend community education events.
Program Details
The following service categories are provided under HICAP:
Community Education
• Educational presentations on Medicare, related health insurance, and long-term care planning.
• Sessions may be offered in community settings such as senior centers or partner organizations.
Individual Counseling
• One-on-one guidance on Medicare, Medi-Cal, and long-term care insurance.
• Help comparing coverage options and understanding benefits.
Informal Advocacy
• Assistance with Medicare-related issues, including:
• Enrollment and disenrollment.
• Claims and appeals.
• Prescription drug coverage and exceptions.
Legal Assistance
• Help or referrals for legal issues related to Medicare and long-term care insurance.
• Legal support is limited to issues within HICAP’s scope.
How to Get Started
• Call 1 (800) 510-2020.
• Request HICAP services.
• Schedule an appointment with a counselor.
What to Expect
• Services are free and confidential.
• Most counseling is provided by appointment.
• Appointments may be conducted by phone or in person, with virtual options available upon request.
• Follow-up support may be provided depending on your situation.
• Community education events are offered throughout Los Angeles County.
Service Provider
Center for Health Care Rights
4601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 160
Los Angeles, California 90010
(213) 383-4519 | (800) 434-0222
Common Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Services are generally by appointment only. Walk-ins are typically asked to schedule an appointment. Urgent situations may be accommodated when possible.
- Phone appointments: about 45 minutes for the initial intake.
- In-person appointments: about 1 hour.
- Additional follow-up may be provided as needed.
Appointments are available:
- By phone.
- In person at multiple locations across Los Angeles County.
- Virtually (upon request).
- Counseling is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
- Additional languages may be supported through interpretation services.
Sessions can vary in size, but typically include at least five participants.
Yes. Presentations may be tailored for:
- Medicare beneficiaries.
- Caregivers.
- Community organizations.
- Non-English-speaking groups.
HICAP can assist with:
- Medicare appeals and denials.
- Billing and coverage issues.
- Prescription drug plan concerns.
- Eligibility-related questions.
HICAP does not handle:
- Medi-Cal appeals.
- Medical malpractice or negligence cases.
- Legal issues unrelated to Medicare.
- Litigation against insurance companies.
Cases are reviewed by HICAP leadership to determine whether legal assistance is appropriate. If an issue is outside the program’s scope, referrals to partner organizations may be provided.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Call 1 (800) 510-2020