Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian programs help during Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment is now open and will end on Dec. 7, 2024. This annual period allows Medicare-eligible individuals to review and change their plans. The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), funded by the California Department of Aging, and administered by the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian (DAAS-PG), supports older adults in exploring Medicare, Medi-Cal and other insurance options. Through an established partnership between DAAS-PG and the Council on Aging-Southern California, HICAP provides free, unbiased information and personalized counseling about Medicare and Long-Term Care insurance-related matters.

HICAP’s state-registered counselors can help you understand Medicare eligibility and enrollment periods, prescription drug plans, money-saving programs, Medigap supplemental policies, Medicare Advantage Plans and other health insurance options. HICAP can also answer questions related to healthcare appeals, billing, claims and more. Additionally, HICAP offers free educational presentations to groups of Medicare beneficiaries, their families and providers on Medicare essentials and other related health insurance topics.

The Council on Aging-Southern California has been a trusted nonprofit organization since 1973 and provides unbiased information, programs and services to more than 100,000 seniors and disabled adults annually across Southern California. To learn more about the Council on Aging – Southern California HICAP services, visit http://www.coasc.org/hicap, call 909-256-8369 or toll-free at 1-800-434-0222.

For more information about DAAS-PG, or assistance accessing services or programs for older adults, individuals with disabilities, their caretakers and families, please call Senior Information and Assistance at 1-800-510-2020.

Additional County Update News – November 21, 2024