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;
• Medicare fraud and our Senior Medicare Patrol project;
• Long-term care options, and more!

Use the navigation on the left, or the search box (top) to find your answers.

California Insurance Agents Notified on Upcoming Medigap Changes

March 3, 2010 Blog
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) just mailed a notice on the upcoming Medigap changes to the thousands of licensed insurance agents throughout the state. Produced with CHA’s input, this notice provides a helpful Q&A about the changes occurring as of June 1, 2010.

California’s Senior HMO Guide Provides Answers & Information on Patient Rights

Feb. 23, 2010 CHA News
Newly revised! Email CHA for a free copy (or copies) for your organization. Available in English and Spanish.

Offer for Free Shoes Masks Common Medicare Fraud Scam

Feb. 23, 2010 Fraud and Abuse
Chico case highlights a common fraud scenario happening in California on a daily basis. Learn what footwear Medicare covers for certain diabetic beneficiaries.

CMS Clarifies Medicare Appeals Regulations & New Provisions for Part D Appeals

Feb. 23, 2010 Billing, Claims and appeals
New appeals provisions, including the addition of expedited appeals requests for Part D claims, became effective early this year.

Unnatural Causes: Effects of Socioeconomics and Racism on Health

Feb. 23, 2010 Website Highlight Health Care Disparities
Several powerful documentaries reveal the underlining causes of ill-health and our country’s health inequalities.

Little-Known Special Election Period for People in MA Plans that Terminated in 2009

Feb. 17, 2010 Medicare Advantage
Beneficiaries who were in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that terminated on Dec. 31, 2009 have an extended Special Enrollment Period (SEP) until Feb. 28, 2010.

COBRA Subsidy Extended to February 28, 2010

Feb. 17, 2010 insurance
A provision in last year's defense appropriations bill extends the COBRA premium subsidy to involuntarily terminated workers until February 28, 2010.

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.

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.

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.

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.