HICAP Volunteer Counselor

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Through its Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), the Center for Health Care Rights provides Los Angeles County residents with information, counseling and advocacy on Medicare and related health insurance. All services are provided free of charge.

The Center for Health Care Rights offers a HICAP Volunteer Counselor Initial Training Program for persons interested in serving as volunteer peer counselors. HICAP Volunteer Counselors provide Medicare beneficiaries and their families with accurate and unbiased information on health insurance options under Medicare.

The Initial Training Program and all HICAP services are provided free of charge.

Initial Training Program State-required training topics include: Original Medicare: Benefits, Claims and Appeals Process, Medicare Health Plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit, Medicare Fraud & Abuse Awareness, Dual Eligibility and Long-term Care. Additional training is provided on peer counseling techniques and program administrative requirements. Participation in the Initial Training Program requires, but is not limited to, reading all program assignments, and successful completion of all review exercises.

Pre-Training Conference Applicants for the Initial Training Program participate in an in-person Pre-Training Conference. The Pre-Training Conference lasts about one (1) hour and provides an opportunity for information-sharing and asking questions about the program.

Selection for the Initial Training Program Applicants receive written notification about whether they have been selected to participate in the Initial Training Program.

Training Schedule The Initial Training Program includes an in-person classroom training of about 40 hours, held over a 3 - 4 week period on business days only (Monday - Friday). Attendance is required for each training dates of the Initial Training Program. Trainings will not be scheduled during evening hours or on weekend days.

Internship Following successful completion of the Initial Training Program, a brief supervised internship is required before being registered with the Calif. Dept. of Aging.

State Registration Before HICAP service can begin, all HICAP Volunteer Counselors must be registered with the Calif. Dept. of Aging.

Service as a HICAP Volunteer Counselor HICAP Volunteer Counselors are placed at local community sites, such as Senior Centers and Community Centers, to provide HICAP services. All placement sites are located in Los Angeles County. HICAP Counselors provide service on a weekly basis, during regular business hours. HICAP Volunteer Counselors do not provide counseling services during evening hours or on weekend days.

State Requirements * A minimum of one (1) year of service * Successful completion of all continuing education

Please Note * Must be a resident of Los Angeles County * Persons who hold a current license to sell insurance or or who have other apparent conflicts of interest are ineligible.