Health Insurance Counseling
HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program) is a counseling program for residents 60 years of age or older when they need help understanding the various health insurance options such as Medicare, supplemental insurance policies (Medigap policies), prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D), EPIC and Medicare Advantage plans.
You may choose to receive immediate assistance by visiting the Medicare Website or calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227
Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) is a federally-funded program from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and is administered by the New York State Office for the Aging.
HIICAP provides you and your loved ones with information, education and counseling about Medicare and other health insurances. Trained staff and volunteers will answer your questions.
The services provided by HIICAP are both free and unbiased. The answers to your questions are just a free phone call, or mouse click away.
Although HIICAP is free, contributions are accepted to help cover the cost of services. The actual cost of an hour of counseling is $100. The suggested contribution is $25 an hour, making the program affordable to participants. All contributions are confidential and voluntary. No one will be denied service because of their inability or unwillingness to contribute.
HIICAP can help you:
- Understand the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) and how to select the best plan
- Understand low-income subsidy programs, including “Extra Help” and Medicare Saving Program (MSP)
- Find ways to pay for your prescription drugs or medical equipment
- Understand and apply for EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage)
- Choose between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans including HMO's, PPO's, Private for Service (PFFS), Special Needs Plans and Medical Savings Accounts
- Understand Medicare rules and your medical bills
- Report possible Medicare fraud or abuse
- Appeal a decision by Medicare, your managed care provider or other health insurance company
- Discover ways to fill in Medicare’s gaps
- File an insurance claim and deal with paperwork
- Learn about prevention and screening coverage that keeps you healthy or helps detect issues early
Medicare Preventive Services Checklist
Are you turning 65 in the near future and do not know where to begin in regards to Medicare insurance? Well, you are not alone. There are many people who are unsure, unaware or just confused about Medicare insurance. Office for the Aging is here to help! We are doing an informational series about the things you need to know about Medicare insurance. Each presentation will provide information about various aspects of the confusing maze that is Medicare.
Presentation #1
Medicare Basics: Before you get into the details, it’s important to understand some basic information about Medicare and how it can help you cover the cost of your healthcare. It may be different than you think! Find out how Medicare works and what it covers, and compare the two main ways to get Medicare coverage.
Presentation #2
Signing up For Medicare: Now that we have provided you with a basic understanding of Medicare we can begin to discuss what you need to know about the process of signing up for Medicare.
Presentation #3
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Here is what you need to know about prescription drug coverage through Medicare.
Presentation #4
Original Medicare: Understanding Your Benefits-Now that you have a basic understanding of Medicare and prescription drug coverage as well as how to sign up for benefits, we will talk about some important points about Original Medicare.
Presentation #5
Once you have Original Medicare you are eligible for additional benefits. So let’s talk about what your options are for additional benefits with Original Medicare.
Access HIICAP services by contacting the Jefferson County Office for the Aging 315-785-3191.
For general information and publications, call 1-800-Medicare or, for current information on Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, managed care or Medicare Advantage, log on to www.medicare.gov
Important Links and Phone Numbers:
Medicare: 1-800-633-4227
Medicare Website: https://www.medicare.gov/
Watertown Social Security Office: 866-752-0643
Social Security Website: https://www.ssa.gov/
NYS EPIC Program: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/
New York State Department of Aging: https://www.ny.gov/
If you have questions or need assistance, please call 315-785-3191 for further information or to set up an appointment.
