Get Free Help with Medicare Questions
Call 1-800-434-0222
Local HICAP offices can help you with Medicare and other healh care issues. A program of the California Department of Aging.
8 Most Popular Pages
Welcome to
California Health Advocates
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to Medicare advocacy and education for Californians. Our website provides accurate and unbiased information about Medicare benefits and long-term care for people who live in California.
Learn about...
- Your prescription drug coverage
- Low-income programs and the basics of your Medicare benefits
- How Medigap (a private insurance policy) can
supplement
your
Medicare coverage - Long-term care options, and more!
Use the navigation on the left, or the search box (at top) to find your answers.
Updated Jan. 28, 2010
Recent news For Professionals
- GAO Report Examines Effect of Inappropriate Marketing by MA Plans on Beneficiaries
- Jan. 26, 2010 Blog
A newly released report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office examines some of the effects that inappropriate marketing of MA plans have had on beneficiaries. - CHA Board Member Highlight: Professor Leads Students in Extensive Part D Community Outreach
- Jan. 25, 2010
Prescription Drugs
To prepare students for their community outreach interventions, Patel gives them 30 hours of intensive training on Medicare Part D before the Annual Election Period begins in November. - 2009 Profile of Older Americans Published
- Jan. 19, 2010 Blog
The Administration on Aging (AoA) recently published a report giving a detailed profile of older Americans in 2009. - Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS Act) Summary
- Jan. 15, 2010 Advocacy
The CLASS Act is part of the legislative legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy and included in both the Senate and the House versions of health care reform. This summary of the CLASS Act is a broad overview of the major provisions of the Act, with notations where the Senate and House versions differed. - Hospital Errors Rise in California – Medicare Refuses to Pay for Avoidable Mistakes
- Jan. 14, 2010 Blog
While a 2006 state law requires officials to publicly report hospital errors, California’s DPH has not yet reported the information to the state Legislature. - CMS’ Notice of Proposed Rule-making with Medicare Advantage and Part D Plan Sponsors
- Dec. 8, 2009 Advocacy
Comments advocate using regulations versus guidelines, having access to all CMS guidance materials, and strengthening beneficiary protections, including marketing and language access provisions. - Review Medicare Changes for 2010
- Nov. 16, 2009 MEDICARE BASICS
Review Medicare changes for 2010, including Part A, B and D costs, and a summary of California’s Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for the coming year. - New Prescription Drug Safety Net System for Uncovered Low-Income Beneficiaries
- Nov. 16, 2009 Prescription Drugs
The new Point of Sale (POS) safety net system differs from our current one in several ways, including offering retroactive coverage to low-income subsidy eligible beneficiaries and full-benefit dual eligible and SSI-only beneficiaries. - How Does Health Reform Help Medicare? A Close Look at HR 3962
- Nov. 16, 2009 MEDICARE BASICS
Learn about the major provisions in HR 3962, its key Medicare improvements, and resources on health care reform as it relates to Medicare beneficiaries. - FAQs on the New Standardized Medigap Policies Available June 2010
- Nov. 16, 2009 Insurance
Learn about extensive changes to Medigap policies available 6/1/10 and some additional California protections through AB 1543. - Extensive MIPPA Provisions Become Effective January 2010
- Nov. 12, 2009 MIPPA
Many improvements affecting Medicare mental health services, MA plans, Part D and eligibility for the low-income subsidy and Medicare Savings Programs become effective January 1.
Medicare Podcasts
Available in English and Spanish, our most
recent podcasts include:
- Low-Income Programs that help cover Medicare costs
- Your Medicare Appeal Rights
