HICAP Volunteer Counselor

Our Organization

Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit approaching its 50th year serving Alameda County residents who are 60 years of age and older. Through our Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), LAS provides individual counseling and community education to Medicare beneficiaries on topics of Medicare enrollment and coverage, supplemental coverage including Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, low-income assistance programs, and long-term care insurance.

Volunteer Role

The HICAP Volunteer Counselor assists Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare and related health insurance issues.Through one-on-one counseling and informal advocacy, HICAP Volunteer Counselors support the independence of people making choices that affect their health and financial well-being.

Counseling: Provide objective counseling to individual Medicare beneficiaries regarding their healthcare coverage and related issues such as supplemental insurance policies, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, Medi-Cal retiree coverage, long term care insurance and billings and claims.

Advocacy: Ensure that client rights under Medicare and related health insurance benefits are upheld and make referrals to the legal department and outside organizations when appropriate.

Record Keeping: Complete client intake forms accurately and submit them monthly to the Program Manager.

Training: Attend the initial 50-hour training course and shadow at least ten hours of HICAP appointments. Participate in at least twelve hours of HICAP-Sponsored continuing education per year.

Program Publicity: Promote awareness of HICAP services in the local community.

Counselor Qualifications:

• Passionate about helping older adults and those with disabilities access healthcare coverage
• Utilize patience, active listening, analytical skills, and attention to detail in assisting clients.
• Interest in and aptitude for work with Medicare and health insurance issues and ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to be objective and unbiased and to refrain from recommending specific health insurance plans.
• Ability to comply with all policies and administrative procedures established by HICAP and maintain client confidentiality.

Certification Process:

• Attend initial 50-hour classroom intensive (see dates below)
• Shadow 10 hours of HICAP Appointments
• To maintain certification, volunteer 10-12 hours per month - including counseling hours, continuing education, and travel time
• Attendance at the initial 50-hour course and at the bi-monthly follow-up trainings is mandatory. Must be able to make at least a one-year commitment.

Informational Session

(RSVP Required)

If you’re interested and would like to learn more about this volunteer opportunity:

Date: February 6th

Time: 10am-11:30am

Location: LAS Office (333 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA 94621)

Upcoming HICAP Counselor Training (50 hours)

(Application Required)

Dates: March 2-5, 9-12, and 16-17

RSVP or inquiries:

Contact: Natalie Vinton, Volunteer Coordinator

Email: nvinton@lashicap.org

Phone: (510) 250-1715

Individuals who sell insurance, or who receive compensation or other financial gain from insurers or other health care plans cannot be considered for HICAP Volunteer Counselor positions.