HICAP Medicare counseling (Sourcewise)
Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling for people on Medicare or about to be, covering Parts A and B, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, drug coverage, Medi-Cal coordination and fraud.
A directory listing, not an eligibility decision.
UniHealth can identify a possible match, but the responsible program makes the final decision.
What to know
- Why it may fit
- Your circumstances can be checked against the program’s published guidelines.
- What to do next
- Sourcewise runs HICAP in Santa Clara County. Counselors trained and registered by the state give free, unbiased help with Medicare. They do not sell, recommend or endorse any insurance. Meet in person, by phone or by video.
- Who runs it
- Sourcewise (California Department of Aging HICAP)
What the program may consider
- You are on Medicare or about to be
- Free HICAP counseling appointment
How to get it
Sourcewise runs HICAP in Santa Clara County. Counselors trained and registered by the state give free, unbiased help with Medicare. They do not sell, recommend or endorse any insurance. Meet in person, by phone or by video.
How to apply
Sourcewise HICAP counseling request
Free. You can ask for yourself or for someone else.
- Online formSourcewise HICAP counseling requestAsk for yourself or for someone else.
- PhoneSourcewise information line: (408) 350-3200Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ask for the program you need.
- In personHICAP counseling sitesSenior centers, libraries and community centers. Call the site or book online.
- PhoneHICAP free Medicare counseling: 1-800-434-0222Free, unbiased help with Medicare choices.
Getting help
Someone can refer you, with your permission
A family member or helper can ask for an appointment for you, with your OK. Family can join your session if you want. Any Medicare choice is yours alone.
What happens after you apply
Send the HICAP request form online, or call Sourcewise. The form lets someone else ask for you, with your OK. You can also call a counseling site directly.
The program or provider
HICAP sets a time with you. Choose in person, by phone or by video. Sites include senior centers, libraries and community centers.
The program or providerA helper can help with this
You meet one on one with a HICAP counselor. They explain your options and help with Medicare costs, bills and denials.
The program or providerA helper can help with this
Any Medicare plan choice is yours alone. If you decide to change, the HICAP counselor can help you enroll.
Only if you decide to change your Medicare coverage
YouOnly you can do this
HICAP can help with appeals. For legal problems, HICAP works with SALA, the free senior legal aid office.
If you need more help
The program or providerOnly you can do this
What only you can do
- Take part in the counseling session. Family can join if you want.
- Make any Medicare plan choice yourself. HICAP gives free, unbiased help.
- How long it takes
- It depends on how busy HICAP is. Waits may be longer from October 15 to December 7.
- You are enrolled when
- There is nothing to enroll in. You have used HICAP once you have met with a counselor.
- To keep it
- Nothing to renew. You can come back for free any time you have Medicare questions.
Choosing a Medicare plan is your decision. UniHealth does not choose, recommend, or enroll anyone in Medicare plans. For free, unbiased help, call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.