Business Details
Free Medicare Counseling Services in Los Angeles
The Center for Health Care Rights has been dedicated to empowering older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers in Los Angeles County since our inception. As the official Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) for the region, we provide free, unbiased Medicare guidance through a team of state-registered counselors and trained volunteers. Our expertise spans Medicare Part A, B, D, Medigap, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medi-Cal coordination, with a focus on resolving complex coverage issues and appeals. With over three decades of experience delivering HICAP services, we combine deep industry knowledge with personalized support to help clients navigate the intricacies of health insurance.Our authority in Medicare counseling is reinforced through partnerships with the California Department of Aging, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles, ensuring our clients receive reliable, up-to-date information. We maintain trustworthiness through strict adherence to non-commercial principles, offering transparent guidance without promoting specific insurance products.
Services
Medicare Counseling
Medigap Guidance
Medicare Part D Help
Workshops
Fact Sheets
Appeals Assistance
Medi-Cal Coordination
Community Outreach
Professional Training
Language Services
Highlights and features
- We offer free, unbiased Medicare counseling with no product promotion
- Our counselors are state-registered and undergo specialized training
- We provide assistance in 230+ languages through interpreter services
- We have over 30 years of experience delivering HICAP services
- We maintain partnerships with California Department of Aging and local governments
Associations and certifications
- Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
- Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
What people say
Life-saving information
Informed and confident
Deeply understands local needs
Highly trained counselors
Helped thousands
Services
Medicare Counseling
Our state-registered counselors provide personalized Medicare counseling to help clients understand their coverage options. We assist with Medicare Part A, B, and D enrollment, plan comparisons, and benefit explanations. Our services help clients make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage while avoiding potential pitfalls.
Medigap Guidance
We offer expert guidance on Medigap insurance policies that supplement Original Medicare coverage. Our counselors help clients evaluate different Medigap plans, understand out-of-pocket costs, and select appropriate coverage. We provide objective comparisons without endorsing specific insurance products.
Medicare Part D Help
Our specialists assist with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage decisions. We help clients compare plans based on medication needs, cost structures, and pharmacy networks. Our guidance includes information about the Low-Income Subsidy program and other cost-saving opportunities.
Community Workshops
We conduct free workshops covering Medicare basics, enrollment periods, and coverage options. These sessions help attendees understand Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap insurance, and Medi-Cal coordination. Workshops are available in multiple languages and formats including virtual options.
Appeals Assistance
Our legal staff provides assistance with Medicare appeals for denied claims or coverage issues. We help clients navigate the appeals process for hospital discharges, prescription denials, and Medicare Advantage plan disputes. Our services include guidance on documentation requirements and submission procedures.
People
Joseph A. Cislowski
Executive Director
Joseph Cislowski leads the Center for Health Care Rights with over 25 years of experience in healthcare policy and administration. He oversees all operations and strategic initiatives while maintaining strong relationships with government partners and community organizations.
Stephanie Fajuri
Program Director
Stephanie Fajuri manages program implementation and service delivery for the Center. With extensive legal expertise in healthcare policy, she ensures all counseling services meet state and federal compliance standards while maintaining high client satisfaction.
Irving Reifman
Board Chair
Attorney Irving Reifman serves as Board Chair for the Center. His legal background in healthcare law provides valuable governance expertise. He leads the board in strategic decision-making and policy oversight for the organization.
Rie Fischman
Health Care Advocate
Rie Fischman provides direct client support as a health care advocate. With public health expertise and CHES certification, she helps clients navigate complex Medicare issues and connects them with appropriate community resources.
Robert Alley
Counseling Services Supervisor
Robert Alley supervises the counseling team with extensive experience in health insurance matters. He manages counselor training programs and ensures consistent delivery of high-quality Medicare guidance across all service locations.
Questions
Who qualifies for free Medicare counseling?
Los Angeles County residents aged 60+ or any Medicare beneficiary regardless of age can receive free counseling services through our state-funded program.
What Medicare topics do you cover?
We cover all Medicare aspects including Parts A, B, D, Medigap, Medicare Advantage plans, Medi-Cal coordination, and appeals processes.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call our toll-free helpline at 800-434-0222 or submit an online request form to schedule telephone or in-person counseling sessions.
Do you offer language assistance?
Yes, we provide services in 230+ languages through interpreter services and have multilingual counselors available for common local languages.
Are your counselors certified?
All our counselors are state-registered through the California Department of Aging and complete specialized training in Medicare regulations and counseling techniques.
What community resources do you offer?
We provide free workshops, downloadable fact sheets, and community outreach events covering Medicare basics, enrollment periods, and coverage options.
