Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program
For appointments in San Francisco, call (415) 677-7520
About Us
What’s New
Sep 30, 2011
Open Enrollment dates have changed!
October 15 – December 7
Open Enrollment (also called the "Annual Election Period") starts and ends earlier now, so don't miss your chance to change your Medicare plan. Learn more about Open Enrollment.
For help comparing Part D or Medicare Advantage (HMO and PPO) plans, call HICAP or visit www.Medicare.gov.
Sep 9, 2011
HICAP’s Ray Jones Received National Award
HICAP counselor Ray Jones was recognized as one of 10 volunteers nationwide to receive Senior Medicare Patrol’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. Ray was selected based on his outstanding work with SMP helping seniors to detect, report, and help to prevent Medicare fraud. Congratulations Ray! Read more…
Aug 22, 2011
Seniors and Persons with Disabilities on Medi-Cal: Do you need to enroll in a Medi-Cal Health Plan?
Beginning in June 2011, the state of California started requiring seniors and persons with disabilities covered by Medi-Cal to enroll in a Medi-Cal health plan. If you have Medicare, this does not affect you!
If you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal, you have the option to join a Medi-Cal health plan if you choose. And you can always disenroll from the plan, and choose a different Medicare plan at any time.
Why choose a Medi-Cal Health Plan?
With a Medi-Cal health plan, you still have Medicare, but you decide to go through a private insurance company to get your health care. You use their doctor network, have access to a nurse advice line, and have additional rights around how soon you can get an appointment. You will not have to pay any additional costs. In San Francisco, the choices of plans are the Anthem Blue Cross and the San Francisco Health Plan.
For more information about Medi-Cal Health Plans and how to enroll, see MMCD - Seniors & Persons With Disabilities (SPD) from the California Department of Health Care Services.
