Empowering individuals to take control of their healthcare
The Center for Health Care Rights is a nonprofit public service dedicated to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers in Los Angeles County navigate Medicare and get the health care they need. We provide free Medicare health insurance counseling and advocacy services to thousands of residents in Los Angeles County every year.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide accurate, unbiased, and helpful guidance to our clients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health care. We believe that everyone deserves accessible and high-quality healthcare, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve this goal.
Our Services
We offer three ways to get help:
Helpline
Call our toll-free helpline at 800-434-0222 to speak with a state-registered Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) counselor. Our counselors are trained to provide Medicare counseling and advocacy for people with Medicare. You can ask questions, get answers, and schedule an appointment for a counseling session.
Meetings
Meet with a state-registered HICAP counselor in locations across Los Angeles County. Our counselors will provide one-on-one guidance and support to help you navigate Medicare and other related health insurance options.
Workshops
Attend a workshop or event to get up-to-date Medicare information. Our workshops are designed for people with Medicare and their caregivers, as well as health care professionals and social workers. Learn from our experts and get answers to your questions.
History
The Center for Health Care Rights is a statewide program funded by the California Department of Aging and administered by the Los Angeles County and City of Los Angeles. We are proud to be part of the national Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a network of Medicare assistance programs in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Guam.
Support
The Center for Health Care Rights relies on the support of our community to continue providing free Medicare health insurance counseling and advocacy services to Los Angeles County residents. We are grateful for the support of our funders, including the California Department of Aging, the County of Los Angeles, and the City of Los Angeles.
Overall Experience
The reviews for HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) are mixed. While some reviewers have had positive experiences with the organization, others have been left frustrated.
Positive Reviews
HICAP has been praised for its organization and people, with reviewers commending staff members such as Ms. Sandra Risdon, Mr. Michael Lecoe, and Aileen Harper for their exceptional service. The organization has also been commended for its wealth of free health-related information available to seniors approaching retirement.
Negative Reviews
On the other hand, one reviewer has had a poor experience with HICAP, citing difficulty in getting through on the phone to make an appointment and being unable to reach a live person. The reviewer left a message to make an appointment but was never contacted back.
Common Themes
One common theme among the negative reviews is the difficulty in contacting HICAP or receiving a timely response. This has resulted in frustration and disappointment for those trying to access the organization's services.