2.2.1.1 Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP) The Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP) assists older adults, and Medicare eligible individuals, in need of information and assistance regarding health insurance. The HIICAP program goal is to increase the financial independence of Medicare beneficiaries, as well as increase their ability to understand the options and choices that are available to older adults by providing Medicare and unbiased health insurance information. An integral aspect of the HIICAP program is maintaining and sustaining a well-trained program volunteer base. Respondent(s) shall provide a detailed plan on how they will recruit, train and support volunteers willing to assist older adults regarding health insurance options and other personal financial and insurance issues, as listed below. HIICAP counselor training consists of a combination of self-study, local and regional training, and periodic inservice training. NYSOFA provides ongoing training to the HIICAP network via monthly conference calls and e-mail updates. Monthly written updates share ‘hot topics’ and keep the network up-to-date. The goal of the Selected Respondent(s)’s training is to provide HIICAP professionals and volunteer counselors with the information, tools and skills they will need to answer questions about health insurance options and reimbursements. The Selected Respondent(s) must demonstrate how they will provide the following services: 1. Provide eligible older adults with current and up-to-date information related to Medicare-related issues and opportunities. 2. Define the problems individuals are experiencing, providing comparative analyses of supplemental insurances and prescription drug coverage. 3. Counsel older adults and provide linkages to the opportunities and services available through the network of HIICAP counselors. 4. To the extent practicable, ensure that the older adults receive the services needed and are aware of the opportunities available to the individual through appropriate follow-up. 5. Participate in area health fairs, conduct presentations to area older adults throughout the County of Monroe, and provide “Q&A” program publications to be read by area older adults. 6. Recruit, train and maintain counselors, and disseminate annual regional training for volunteers and staff. Regional training by the Selected Respondent(s) in concert with NYSOFA representatives should include Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Savings Programs, Rx options, Medigaps, Retiree plans, Claims and Appeals, Waste Fraud and Abuse, Long Term Care Insurance, Healthy New York and Family Health Plus. The HIICAP program currently serves a total number of approximately 2,500 unduplicated older adults age 60 and over of any age. Service units are currently defined by the New York State Office for the Aging as “one contact”. The current number of service units provided is approximately 3,150 units for older adults age 60 and over. MCOFA’s requirement is for these numbers to be met or exceeded by the Selected Respondent(s). The Selected Respondent(s) will maintain an established volunteer base of at least 28 unbiased HIICAP volunteer counselors. All volunteers must undergo background checks, and deemed to be qualified by the Selected Respondent(s) to provide financial counseling, health insurance information and assistance, and other insurance options to older adults in order for them to maximize their eligibility for benefits.
