PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
HICAP’s purpose is to provide free, unbiased counseling and community education on Medicare A, B, C, & D. Our counselors can complete comparisons on all products of C & D, retiree/employer Group vs. Medicare. We can resolve billing issues, and help apply for appeals.
HICAP counselors give advice regarding healthcare insurance options for those contemplating retirement. Advisors can offer assistance with filling out forms, submitting bills, and completing other paperwork necessary for reimbursement.
Our speaker bureau gives presentations on Medicare 101, Prevention Services, Long Term Care, on all aspects of Medicare products, and on Medicare changes for the new year.
» Medicare & You 2024 — official U.S. Government Medicare handbook (PDF)
» HICAP information postcard (PDF)
Medicare Open Enrollment Appointments
Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7, 2024
IMPORTANT NOTE: All available appointments have been booked for the month of November. A limited number of appointments may still be available in December at the VCAAA. HICAP will mail you a plan comparison if they are unable to schedule an appointment. If you are new to Medicare (effective 11/2024 or after), and you have more time after December 7 to select a plan, please proceed by completing the Comparison-Appointment Form.
To schedule an appointment with a certified counselor, you must complete the HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request Form. A VCAAA representative will contact you to schedule an appointment once the form is received. Your appointment options are one-stops (in-person), online, telephone, or Zoom.
For additional information, e-mail HICAP@Ventura.org or call VCAAA’s HICAP department at 805-477-7300 or 800-434-0222. You can also download the Comparison-Appointment Request Form and return it to us.
» HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request form (PDF-English)
» HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request form (PDF-Spanish)
Medicare Open Enrollment One Stops
IMPORTANT NOTE: All available appointments have been booked for the month of November. A limited number of appointments may still be available in December at the VCAAA. HICAP will mail you a plan comparison if they are unable to schedule an appointment. If you are new to Medicare (effective 11/2024 or after), and you have more time after December 7 to select a plan, please proceed by completing the Comparison-Appointment Form.
Between October 15 and December 6, the VCAAA’s HICAP department will host a series of Open Enrollment One-Stops throughout the county where individuals can meet with a counselor. Please see this document for dates, times and locations. To schedule an appointment at one of these One-Stops, use the HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request Form.
» Open Enrollment One-Stop Locations (PDF)
» Open Enrollment One-Stop General Information (PDF)
Medicare Appointments (non-Open Enrollment)
If you would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our free and unbiased Medicare counselors, please click on the box below to fill out the appointment request form online.
For additional information, e-mail HICAP@Ventura.org or call VCAAA’s HICAP department at 805-477-7300 or 800-434-0222. You can also download the Comparison-Appointment Request Form and return it to us.
» HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request form (PDF-English)
» HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request form (PDF-Spanish)
All Things Medicare & Benefits Enrollment
HICAP provides seminars around Ventura County focused on all things Medicare and benefits enrollment.
The following in-person community presentations are currently scheduled:
» Check back in 2025
By site:
» Check back in 2025
HICAP also provides occasional presentations helping older adults learn to avoid falling victim to scams or fraud. Future presentations are TBA.
Videos
Gary knows sports … but he doesn’t know Medicare. He — and anyone in Ventura County — can get help learning about Medicare through the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP), part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Human Services Agency.
Medicare Fraud Public Service Announcements
Frequently Asked Questions
HICAP, short for Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, is funded through the Older American Act. This service is free. The United States Department of Aging sends funding to the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services. HICAP is a national volunteer Medicare program that gives free and unbiased counseling, and comparisons on all Medicare Health Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. The HICAP program also resolves Medicare, HMO, and prescription drug complaints for Medicare beneficiaries.
Every year Medicare has its Annual Election Period beginning October 15 through December 7. This is the time all Medicare beneficiaries need to re-evaluate their health plan and prescription drug plan.
Medicare plans change every year, so it is important to reevaluate your plan every year. If you are a low-income subsidiary for Medicare Part D or a Medicare beneficiary, you will have to reevaluate your plan during the open enrollment period. HICAP can help you complete your choice for a plan that is right for you. You want to make sure that you don’t incur more expenses because your plan changes. Be aware that some plans terminate their contract with Medicare.
If you will soon be eligible for Medicare or if you are already a Medicare beneficiary, you can call the HICAP program for a personal appointment to go over all your options on Medicare at 805-477-7310. HICAP services are free and unbiased. We do not sell any products.
Contact Your SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program):
» Click here to visit the California HICAP website, or call 800-434-0222.
