Become a Volunteer

The success of the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is achieved through energetic, self-driven and responsible volunteer counselors who are dedicated to making a difference in their community. HICAP volunteers are highly trained to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and options through one-on-one counseling and community education. 

How HICAP Counselors Make a Difference in their Communities

Medicare has always been confusing. This is your opportunity to receive extensive training to learn Medicare and become a HICAP Counselor. Many older adults qualify for Medicare services and assistance programs on a local level. Imagine being a part of changing a person’s life because of the counseling you were able to provide to them. HICAP Counselors provide unbiased Medicare counseling during confidential counseling sessions. Counseling sessions are conducted in-person or by phone from designated counseling sites in Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Tuolumne counties during business hours.

HICAP counselors do not sell, recommend, or endorse any insurance product, agent, insurance company, or health plan.

How to become a Registered HICAP Counselor

HICAP Counselors receive 24-hours of Initial Training to learn the ins and outs of Medicare, benefits and coverage options, government programs that assist with Medicare costs, Medicare appeals and grievances, and other common Medicare issues. To prepare trainees for one-on-one counseling sessions in the community, trainees will meet with seasoned registered counselors for 10 hours of hands on case mentoring. During this phase, trainees are supported and their skills strengthened. Following the completion of Initial Training and Mentoring, volunteers are then registered by the California Department of Aging to serve as HICAP Counselors.

Maintaining Registration

Once registered, counselors are required to commit to 12 hours of continued education annually and contribute a minimum of 40 hours to HICAP annually following program procedures and guidelines to maintain registration. 

Are You Ready to Start a Meaningful Volunteer Experience with HICAP?

We are always in need of passionate volunteers throughout our service area. This program requires volunteers that are computer savvy, like to explain complex topics, and enjoy interacting with others to resolve problems. If you are interested in volunteering and want to start making a difference in your community, please complete the form below or contact HICAP at 209-532-6272 and ask to speak to the HICAP Volunteer Coordinator. We are also in need of bilingual volunteers to assist Medicare beneficiaries with Limited English Proficiency. If you speak another language, please indicate this when you contact us.

Please note: Applicants who have an active license to sell insurance, or who receive gifts, compensation, or other financial gain from insurers, are not eligible to volunteer with HICAP as this is a conflict of interest.