Welcome to California Health Advocates
We are dedicated to Medicare advocacy and education for Californians. Our web site provides accurate, unbiased information about Medicare benefits for people who live in California, and resources for professionals working directly with California’s Medicare beneficiaries.
» Options for obtaining prescription drug coverage, and programs for people with low incomes.
» Basic Medicare topics such as eligibility, coverage, Medicare Advantage, Medicare and disabilities, billing and claims, and appeals.
» How Medigap — a private insurance policy — can supplement your Medicare coverage to pay for health care costs that Medicare doesn't cover.
» Fact Sheets for Medicare professionals
Get help with Medicare questions
Call 1-800-434-0222 for free local help with Medicare and other health care issues.
- Medi-Cal (for people with Medicare)
- HICAP Medicare counseling
- Fact Sheets
- Extra help with Part D costs for people with low incomes
- Medicare: an overview
- Medigap: Medicare supplemental insurance
- Enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B
- Supplementing Medicare: an overview
Contributing to our work
We welcome tax-deductible contributions and sponsors to support our high quality educational events and publications.
New Website Provides One-Stop Source on California Medicare Information
May 19, 2008 In launching their new single 'full-service' website, CHA is expanding their educational and advocacy services to a much broader audience, reaching both Medicare consumers and health professionals.
Can We Stop the Proposed Cuts in Medi-Cal? Medicare and Medi-Cal Public Forum Generates Forward Motion
May 15, 2008 At a public forum organized by the California Medicare Coalition, people were informed and voiced their concerns about the Governor's proposed Medi-Cal cuts, which are part of the added $1.1 billion in cuts to health and human services the Governor released yesterday.
CMS Issues Updated Best Available Evidence Policy Memo
August 18, 2008: CMS’ memo about a new process to the Best Available Evidence policy to help beneficiaries who claim to be LIS eligible but cannot present evidence.
Guide to CMS, SSA and Medicare Plan Mailings for Beneficiaries this Fall
AUGUST 14, 2008: CMS recently published a handy chart outlining the notices beneficiaries will be receiving this fall from CMS, Social Security and Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
Federal Standards for Long-Term Care Insurance Policies Needed, Witnesses Voice at House Hearing
AUGUST 4, 2008: Three panels of witnesses at a House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on July 24th called on federal lawmakers to require minimum standards for private long-term care insurance policies.
Veto Override on Medicare Bill Marks Important Victory for Beneficiaries & Advocates
JULY 30, 2008 The Medicare bill's historical veto override provides long-sought provisions in Medicare benefits, marketing guidelines for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, protections for low-income beneficiaries, and language access requirements.
Medicare Part D Lawsuit Settlement Helps Shorten Delays in Getting Medication for Low-Income Beneficiaries
JULY 30, 2008 Tens of thousands of low-income Americans who become eligible for Medicare each month will no longer have to wait weeks for subsidized prescription drug coverage under a new settlement with the Bush administration.
Technical information and specialized resources for people working directly with Medicare beneficiaries:
California Medicare Coalition
A meeting place for individuals and agencies serving and advocating on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.
NEXT MEETING:
Thur, August 28 — Sacramento
Advocacy and Policy
Recent advocacy and public policy work on behalf of California’s Medicare beneficiaries.
Recent Advocacy & policy:
Promises Made, Promises Denied: Consumers of Long-Term Care Insurance Experience Denied Claims and Premium Increases
July 24, 2008 Bonnie Burns, Training and Policy Specialist, testifies in front of the House Energy & Commerce Committee on consumer issues in long-term care insurance. See also the archived hearing and written testimonies.
Education
Specialized training, tools and resources for consumers and advocates on important Medicare topics.
