Become a HICAP Volunteer
Please first read the following information about HICAP as well as the job description and then follow the instructions at the bottom of the page.
Being a HICAP counselor is very rewarding, and our current counselors agree. Volunteers enjoy helping others, and they value the friendship and support they receive from the program. That is one reason many of our volunteers stay for many years.
At the same time, the training is challenging. It can take several months or longer before new counselors are ready to work on their own.
In both the effort required and the rewards gained, being a HICAP counselor is different from many other volunteer roles. We hope to find people who are looking for this kind of meaningful and long-term commitment.
Why is HICAP needed?
Medicare rules, coverage, and basic and supplemental insurance plans can seem very complicated. HICAP gives clear and unbiased information to help clients choose what works best for their health care needs.
These services are provided by trained volunteers who understand Medicare and the many choices available to people who qualify for Medicare.
HICAP volunteers do not make recommendations. They do not tell clients which Medicare plan is “best.” Instead, they share information so each person can make their own informed decision and choose the Medicare options that fit their needs.
Why are HICAP volunteers needed?
Contra Costa County HICAP is looking for local volunteers to provide counseling and advocacy services. As a volunteer, you will help seniors and people with disabilities who have questions about Medicare and other health insurance issues.
You do not need experience with insurance or Medicare. You just need patience, good listening skills, and the ability to understand and clearly explain detailed information. HICAP will train you about Medicare and support you in your work.
Our volunteers feel proud knowing they are helping people in their community make the best choices for their personal health care needs.
What’s it like to be a volunteer counselor?
Our clients like to talk about their experiences with Contra Costa HICAP counselors. Read some of our client testimonials. View videos of Volunteer Stories from HICAP and SHIP counselors across the country.
What does being a HICAP volunteer involve?
HICAP volunteers help seniors and adults with disabilities understand their rights and choose the right insurance and health plans. They explain options and answer questions so people can make informed decisions.
HICAP services are free. Help is available by phone, Zoom, or email, and in person at Senior Centers and other locations across Contra Costa County.
Volunteers do more than just counseling. They can also research Medicare and other health insurance topics, create program materials, and give educational presentations to community groups.
Being a Medicare Volunteer Counselor has many benefits. You get to meet people, keep learning new things, solve problems, and make a real difference in the lives of people who need help.
Here’s what some of our counselors say about being a Contra Costa HICAP volunteer:
Carol L: “I love that you’re continually learning new things and helping people understand them.”
Rose C: “I enjoy everybody I meet in these sessions! Each one teaches me something about life, too.”
John L: “I have been an active volunteer for about 1 year now. Yesterday at Antioch made all the learning worthwhile. All 3 clients were just about moved to tears with what I thought were pretty simple problems. …And so thanks to all of you from your support, wisdom and guidance that makes my volunteering so rewarding.”
Janet N: “My time at HICAP this year has been extremely rewarding. Working with… you is a joy. I appreciate your knowledge and the desire to continually improve the process of providing counseling to clients.”
Vida P: “I started working with HICAP shortly after I retired from my first career and have never once regretted my decision. Not only is HICAP a worthwhile endeavor but the staff and my colleagues are a constant source of inspiration, motivation, humor in the face of potential tragedy, optimism in spite of their pragmatism, and most important, they are dedicated problem solvers who encapsulate the concept of ‘there must be a way.’ I am truly humbled by this group and the thousands of people they… volunteer to help. I feel really privileged to be a part of it.”
Tell Me About the Training
Our initial training is extensive, consisting of a combination of classroom, computer and experiential learning. We hold one training course each year. For 2025, training will be held from mid to late February through mid to late March, and will consist of 9 or 10 in-person half day morning sessions on Mondays and Thursdays at our Pleasant Hill office. Expect to do online modules first, at your leisure, followed by about 25 hours of initial classroom training. This is followed by at least ten hours of observing experienced volunteers in actual counseling situations. Approximately six more hours of classroom training on how to use the HICAP and Medicare.gov computer systems is also required.
Livescan fingerprinting is required. A national criminal background check will be performed.
After you are registered you will start mentored phone counseling in the office and possibly site counseling as well. State law requires 12 hours of continuing education and 40 hours of counseling time annually to stay registered. We meet the continued education requirement through monthly in-service meetings by Zoom or at our Pleasant Hill office, usually on the first or second Friday of the month.
I’m Interested… what do I do next?
Read the HICAP Counselor Job Description then if you’re still interested please submit a Volunteer Interest Form.