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The purpose of the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is to provide free, unbiased counseling and community education on Medicare A, B, C and D. Counselors can complete comparisons on all products of C and D, and retiree/employer group vs. Medicare. HICAP can assist with resolving billing issues applying for appeals.
HICAP counselors give advice regarding healthcare insurance options for those contemplating retirement. Advisors can offer assistance with filling out forms, submitting bills and completing other paperwork necessary for reimbursement.
The HICAP speaker bureau gives presentations on Medicare 101, Prevention Services, Long Term Care, on all aspects of Medicare products and on Medicare changes for the new year.
» Medicare & You — Official U.S. Government Medicare handbook
» HICAP Information postcard (PDF)
Medicare Open Enrollment Appointments
Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7, 2026
To schedule an appointment with a certified counselor, you must complete the HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request Form. A VCAAA representative will contact you to schedule an appointment once the form is received. Your appointment options are one-stops (in-person), online, telephone, or Zoom.
For additional information, email HICAP@venturacounty.gov or call VCAAA’s HICAP department at 805-477-7300 or 800-434-0222. You can also download the Comparison-Appointment Request Form and return it to us.
» HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request form (PDF-English)
» HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request form (PDF-Spanish)
Medicare Open Enrollment One-Stops
Between October 15 and December 7, the VCAAA’s HICAP department will host a series of Open Enrollment One-Stops throughout the county. Please see the PDF for dates, times and locations. To schedule an appointment at one of these One-Stops, use the HICAP Comparison-Appointment Request Form.
» Open Enrollment One-Stop Locations (PDF)
» Open Enrollment One-Stop General Information (PDF)
2027 Medicare Changes Presentations
Between October 5-15, the VCAAA’s HICAP department will host a series of Medicare Changes presentations throughout the county. Please see the PDF for dates, times and locations. To reserve your spot at one of these presentations, use the Medicare Changes Presentation RSVP form.
Medicare & Benefits Enrollment Presentations
HICAP provides seminars around Ventura County focused on all things Medicare and benefits enrollment.
The following in-person community presentations are currently scheduled:
» These presentations will resume in 2027 after the Open Enrollment period has passed.
Videos
HICAP Volunteers
For Older Americans Month 2025, we celebrated our HICAP volunteers at a Board of Supervisors meeting. Hear from some of our amazing counselors about their work helping people with Medicare.
Gary Knows
Gary knows sports … but he doesn’t know Medicare. He — and anyone in Ventura County — can get help learning about Medicare through the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP).
Medicare Fraud Public Service Announcements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HICAP?
HICAP, short for Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program, is funded through the Older Americans Act. This service is free. The United States Department of Aging sends funding to the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services. HICAP is a national volunteer Medicare program that gives free and unbiased counseling, and comparisons on all Medicare Health Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. The HICAP program also resolves Medicare, HMO and prescription drug complaints for Medicare beneficiaries.
What are the important dates to know?
Every year Medicare has its annual Open Enrollment beginning October 15 through December 7. This is the time all Medicare beneficiaries need to re-evaluate their health plan and prescription drug plan.
Why would a Medicare beneficiary need to reevaluate his or her current plan?
Medicare plans change every year, so it is important to reevaluate your plan every year. If you are a low-income subsidiary for Medicare Part D or a Medicare beneficiary, you will have to reevaluate your plan during the open enrollment period. HICAP can help you complete your choice for a plan that is right for you. You want to make sure that you don’t incur more expenses because your plan changes. Be aware that some plans terminate their contract with Medicare.
How does someone enroll to receive help?
If you will soon be eligible for Medicare or if you are already a Medicare beneficiary, you can call the HICAP program for a personal appointment to go over all your options on Medicare at 805-477-7300, or fill out the online appointment form. HICAP services are free and unbiased. HICAP does not sell any products.
Where can I learn more?
Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) by visiting the California HICAP website or by calling 800-434-0222.
Information can also be found at Medicare.gov.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $453,099 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.