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HICAP counselor briefs Davis Senior Commission on Medicare options, appeals and enrollment dates
Summary
At an August meeting of the Davis Senior Commission, a HICAP coordinator described free Medicare counseling and advocacy services in Yolo County, explained enrollment timing and penalties, and urged residents to use phone or in‑person appointments during open enrollment beginning Oct. 15.
Roseanne Bernardi, who coordinates the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) in Yolo County, told the Davis Senior Commission on Aug. 19 that HICAP provides free, unbiased counseling to seniors and people with disabilities about Medicare, Medi‑Cal coordination and appeals.
Bernardi said many people find Medicare confusing and that HICAP’s certified counselors help clients choose or change plans, challenge denials and understand penalties. "The appeals process is a five‑step process," she said, adding that most requests for reconsideration are denied initially but can succeed through further steps.
Bernardi walked commissioners through enrollment timing and consequences: Medicare generally becomes effective the first day of a beneficiary’s birth month; late enrollment can trigger a lifelong penalty — roughly 10% of the premium for each year of delayed enrollment — though she noted exceptions and appeal pathways in individual cases. She also explained that Medicare Part A may have a $0 premium for people with sufficient work credits, while Part B typically carries a monthly premium (Bernardi cited a common illustrative figure of about $185). She cautioned that people who reach 65 while covered by Medi‑Cal can face a month‑long gap in drug coverage unless they enroll in a Part D plan.
Bernardi described two common coverage tracks: Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), which often operate as HMOs with provider networks and copays, and original Medicare combined with a stand‑alone Part D drug plan and supplemental Medigap coverage. "Medicare Advantage plans can limit which doctors you can see," she said, while Medigap provides broader provider access but may require higher steady premiums.
She encouraged residents to seek HICAP help during open enrollment (which begins Oct. 15) and said HICAP will increase appointment availability in October–December. Services are offered in person at the Davis Senior Center and at locations in Woodland, Winters and West Sacramento, and by phone for clients who prefer remote counseling. Bernardi said HICAP also helps people with appeals and special programs, including a 250% working disabled Medi‑Cal option for people who received Medicare due to disability and remain employed.
Commissioners asked about practical details including local schedules and whether HICAP assists people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medi‑Cal; Bernardi replied that HICAP covers coordination questions and can help with appeals and enrollment steps. She handed out standard brochures with the program phone number and said most people can be served within one to two weeks of calling.
The presentation concluded with an offer to coordinate more outreach with the Davis Senior Center ahead of open enrollment.
