Program Profile
This program provides valuable information and counseling to seniors and pre-retirees to assist them in selecting insurance coverage and dealing with other insurance issues.

Through seminars, presentations and individual counseling sessions, Health Insurance Specialists provide clients with unbiased and up-to-date information as well as problem solving services. Comparison charts and other handouts are made available to clients to help them understand and evaluate short and long term care insurance options, private insurance coverage, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Medicare coverage.

Most clients either currently qualify for Medicare or will when they reach the age of 65.

Assistance with billing, claims, appeals, abuse and fraud are also part of this program. Health Insurance Specialists are full time and volunteer staff who have undergone extensive training and are certified by the state. With the changing nature of the health care industry, these specialists receive ongoing training updates.

Eligibility
The program's services are available to adults 60 years of age and older and to all current recipients of Medicare. Special seminars are also available to corporations that wish to assist their retired or soon to be retired employees.

Cost and Assistance
The state of California provides overall funding for the program, which is used to administer and provide free counseling and assistance to clients who need it. The Council on Aging asks for a nominal fee (for those people who can afford it) for attending seminars and counseling sessions. The fees help cover materials and help expand the program to serve a greater percentage of the community.

For more information please contact the Council on Aging.
In Santa Clara: 1-800-510-2020. Outside area call: 408-296-8290.