Description:Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP)
The Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP) is a federally-funded program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and is administered by the New York State Office for the Aging through the Schenectady County Department of Long Term Care and Catholic Charities Senior & Caregiver Support Services.
HIICAP provides Medicare beneficiaries with information, education, and counseling about Medicare and other health insurances. The HIICAP counseling process includes a complete review of an individual’s current and anticipated medical and prescription drug coverage needs. HIICAP staff and volunteers serve over 2000 seniors throughout Schenectady County, are not associated with any insurance company, and do not sell insurance products. Counseling is non-biased, confidential, and free.
This program is funded by Schenectady County Senior & Long Term Care Services and has been a operated by Catholic Charities for over 20 years.
How Can HIICAP Help Me?
HIICAP helps you:
•Choose between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans including HMOs, PPOs, Private Fee for Service (PFFS), Special Needs Plans, and Medical Savings Accounts
•Understand Medicare rules and your medical bills
•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 Savings Programs (MSPs)
•Find available options that may help pay for your prescription drugs or medical equipment
•Understand and apply for Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)
•Report possible Medicare fraud or abuse
•Appeal a decision by Medicare, your managed care provider, or other health insurance company
•Explore ways to fill in Medicare’s gaps
•Learn about prevention and screening coverage that keeps you healthy or helps detect issues early
I Have More Medicare Questions, Who Do I Call?
For current information on Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, managed care, or Medicare Advantage, log on to www.medicare.gov.
Volunteer Opportunities
Opportunities are available for volunteers with an understanding of or interest in learning Medicare guidelines to assist the senior community with education, assessment, and enrollment. Comprehensive training and commitment to a regular schedule are required. For additional information on volunteering, call (518) 372-5667.
Contact Us...
Schenectady County residents can contact the local HIICAP office at (518) 372-5667 or call the local HIICAP Hotline at 800-701-0501 for issues that are specific to New York State residents (or visit the HIICAP website at www.aging.ny.gov/HealthBenefits).