Personal Finance & Estate › Medicare, Medi-Cal & long-term care › Medicare (federal health insurance at 65+)
HICAP (free California Medicare counseling)
Free, county-based· Government program
Standard practiceWhat most planners, CPAs and attorneys recommend.
California's free, unbiased Medicare counseling program, with trained counselors who sell nothing and work through local agencies on aging.
See it on the Personal Finance & Estate map →How it works
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) is California's branch of the national State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Run by the California Department of Aging through local Area Agencies on Aging, it offers free one-on-one help by phone (1-800-434-0222) or in person. Counselors compare Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap options, explain enrollment windows, help with bills and appeals, and review long-term care insurance. They earn no commissions and endorse no insurer.
Why it matters for you
Medicare choices are confusing and sales-driven; a neutral advisor helps avoid penalties, costly plans and scams, especially for aging parents.
Rules, limits and sources (2026)
Created under California law in the 1980s and part of the federal SHIP network funded by the Administration for Community Living; the California Department of Aging lists local offices.
Watch out for
Appointment waits can be long during fall open enrollment, and federal SHIP funding is set yearly and has faced proposed cuts.
Connections (2)
▸HICAP (free California Medicare counseling) gives free, unbiased advice on Medicare (federal health insurance at 65+)Standard practice
How they connect
HICAP counselors explain Medicare's parts, compare Advantage and drug plans each fall, and help fix billing errors or appeal denials, all free and without sales pressure, a counterweight to commission-paid agents.
When it applies
Statewide through California's 33 Area Agencies on Aging, funded partly by federal SHIP grants since the early 1990s.
How sure?
The California Department of Aging and the national SHIP network report counseling contacts yearly; Medicare.gov refers people to their state SHIP.
Watch out for
Counselor capacity varies by county, and volunteers can't settle every complex case; for legal or tax questions, see an attorney or CPA.
▸HICAP (free California Medicare counseling) guides choices during Medicare enrollment windows & late penaltiesStandard practice
How they connect
Before 65, HICAP counselors check whether your job coverage lets you safely delay Part B, explain Medigap timing and California's birthday rule, and help request corrections when penalties were applied in error.
When it applies
Free statewide, year-round for people turning 65, with peak demand during the October 15–December 7 open enrollment.
How sure?
CMS lists state SHIP programs like HICAP as official, unbiased enrollment help in its 'Medicare & You' handbook.
Watch out for
Counselors explain options but don't decide for you; complex employer or COBRA cases may also need HR or a benefits attorney.