A senior wants an objective source of information about Medicare, Medigap, and long-term care options. Which program provides free, unbiased counseling for this purpose?
Select an option to reveal the answer and the full 3-part explanation — free, no signup.
Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
HICAP, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, is a free, federally authorized counseling program administered in California by the Department of Aging. Trained, objective counselors help seniors and their families understand Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medi-Cal, long-term care insurance, and related health coverage options. Because HICAP counselors are not tied to any insurer and do not sell insurance, they provide unbiased guidance. California law also requires agents selling LTC insurance to notify applicants about HICAP's free services, reinforcing the program's role as an independent consumer resource for comparing coverage and understanding long-term care choices.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) The DMV handles driver licensing and vehicle registration, not health insurance counseling.
- C) The FDIC insures bank deposits; it does not counsel seniors about health coverage or long-term care.
- D) The BBB tracks business complaints and ratings; it does not provide insurance or Medicare counseling.
Memory hook
HICAP = the free, no-sales counselor for Medicare, Medigap, Medi-Cal, and LTC questions.