California Health Advocates is a premier source of health insurance information and advocacy with services that create a well-informed and empowered Medicare population in California.
In moving forward from its 10-year anniversary mark, California Health Advocates will continue and grow in providing its policy advocacy, education and technical expertise to Medicare beneficiaries and their families, health care professionals, consumer organizations, ethnic organizations, federal, state and county government agencies, media representatives, academic institutions, civic leaders, advocacy partners and the general public.
Some key areas of development include:
- Strengthening California Medicare Coalition partnerships and providing several statewide trainings for professionals and beneficiaries.
- Providing up-to-date, easy-to-understand information about Medicare in California (i.e. calmedicare.org, Medicare Fact Sheets, policy briefs, newsletter, webinars)
- Developing and disseminating additional resources and tools for the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Programs (HICAP) and supporting the programs in increasing local capacity to accomplish effective outreach, networking, so as to enhance the availability of services to those with limited English proficiency.
- Forming and utilizing a strong media and marketing plan to educate and advocate for Medicare beneficiaries and their families, promote HICAP services, engage with media, educate policy makers, and influence Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policy and implementation.
With the Medicare program under scrutiny and transforming from a comprehensive and affordable federal entitlement program to a privatized, fragmented and unstable health insurance product, the need for clear and objective information about Medicare from the HICAP network and dedicated advocacy on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries and their families in California is unquestionably apparent.
As in the past, California Health Advocates steps forward with clarity, determination and strong leadership as an unwavering advocate for California’s Medicare beneficiaries and professional community.
