There are now two counselors available at the Senior Center for the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program who can provide free, unbiased counseling and assistance with Medicare and related health insurance.

HICAP counseling is available by appointment at the Senior Center on Mondays (from 2 to 5) and Fridays (from 11 to 2). Seniors are invited to drop by the business desk at the Senior Center, 4095 Overland Ave., to schedule a visit. The telephone is 310.253.6700.

This is a program of state Dept. of Aging, funded locally by the city of Los Angeles Dept. of Aging and the County Dept. of Community and Senior Services.  All services are p are strictly confidential.

Longstanding HICAP counselor Linda Fleischman has served Culver City for a dozen years, and she will be joined in August by Marcy Moore.

HICAP Counselors participate in a state-mandated initial training program and continuing education, and they are registered with the Dept. of Aging.

Both HICAP counselors have a lot in common. They are retired educators who enjoy traveling. Each has a knack for helping people understand Medicare. Both have mentored and trained new HICAP counselors to help others.

HICAP provides information on Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medi-Cal, Medicare Savings Programs and “Extra Help” with Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit.  During the annual election period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7), the focus is on Part D options:  Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans.  Other popular topics include Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Long-Term Care.

Mr. Uhl, disability and social services specialist at the Senior Center, may be contacted at darren.uhl@culverity.org