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.

An Overview for Consumers: Selected Aspects of Health Care Reform

August 26, 2010 Health Care Reform
Learn some of the most important issues about how health insurance will change within the next 3 years; this paper focuses primarily on the pre-Medicare population, ages 50-65.

Health Reform Gives Some Immediate Benefits for Californians

August 17, 2010 Blog
While we’ve focused several articles on the changes affecting Medicare and Medicare beneficiaries, this article focuses on those affecting Californians old and young.

Updated Summary: Community Living Assistance Services & Supports (CLASS) Act Passed with Health Reform Legislation

Revised July 29, 2010 Advocacy
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law on March 23, 2010 establishes a national voluntary long-term care insurance program for actively employed individuals and is part of the legislative legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy. Summary outlines the Act's provisions, including its benefits, premiums, and advisory structure.

HHS Launches Health Care Options Website

July 12, 2010 Blog
On July 1st, the US Department of Health and Human Services launched a new website to empower people with information and resources about their health care. The site helps people find information on their insurance options, learn how to stay healthy, and understand the new health care reform laws.

Medigap Changes Are Now in Effect

June 30, 2010 Medicare and Other Health Insurance Learn about the new Medigap plan changes took effect as of June 1, 2010, including the elimination of 4 of the standardized plans (E, H,I and J) and the addition of 2 new ones (plans M and N).

The CLASS Act: Health Reform Creates New Voluntary Long-Term Care Insurance Program

June 30, 2010 Long-Term Care The health care reform legislation created a new voluntary federal long-term care insurance policy for actively employed individuals who will pay premiums through a payroll deduction system. Learn the details, including premiums, enrollment and disenrollment.

What Does Health Reform Mean for Medicare Beneficiaries? Summary of Key Provisions

June 22, 2010 Medicare Basics After being a topic of debate for over a decade, health care reform became law this March through 2 bills. Learn some of the major changes affecting Medicare and its beneficiaries.

Insurance Agents Trained to Take Advantage of Seniors

June 30, 2010 Fraud and Abuse Agents for Bankers Life and Casualty, a prominent 100-year-old insurance giant, were caught on tape training new recruits how to take advantage of the elderly. Learn about the recent report that has prompted an investigation by the Senate Committee on Aging.

Scam Artists Beware! Health Care Reform Makes Medicare Fraud Prevention a National Priority

June 30, 2010 Fraud and Abuse Fraud and Abuse Now is one of the worst times to engage in health care fraud as the newly passed health care reforms is one of the strongest pieces of anti-fraud legislation in history. Learn about local fraud investigation efforts and successes.

Honoring Ann Kasper and Her 18 Years of HICAP Service

June 30, 2010 CHA News Ann Kasper, HICAP Program Manager for Riverside and San Bernardino counties, has retired. Learn more about Ann, her stellar service and what’s next for her. .

CHA Briefs

June 30, 2010 CHA News

• Bonnie Burns Selected to Serve on NAIC’s Consumer Information Subgroup
• California’s HMO Guide for Seniors Receives Prestigious International Award
• CHA Welcomes Elaine as Our New Executive Director
• Prepare for the Boomers - Aging Well in Communities Toolkit Now Available

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.