Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. Because Medicare plans and coverage options can change each year, it’s important for beneficiaries to review their coverage and make sure it still meets their needs.
Across California, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to help older adults, people with disabilities, families, and caregivers understand their options and make informed decisions about their health and prescription drug coverage. CDA supports this statewide network through training, technical assistance, policy guidance, funding support, and other resources that help local HICAP programs provide timely, accurate, and culturally responsive counseling.
HICAP counselors and volunteers play an important role in connecting Californians with trusted Medicare information. During the last Open Enrollment period, more than 500 HICAP counselors across the state helped more than 21,000 people through one-on-one counseling, providing more than 28,000 hours of assistance. HICAP programs also held more than 835 community outreach events, reaching nearly 32,000 people.
Help your community prepare for Open Enrollment by sharing HICAP information and resources and connecting people with free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Your outreach can help Californians get trusted information and choose the coverage that best meets their needs.
Understanding How Aging Resources are Funded in Your Community
Across California, state and federal funding helps Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) provide services that support older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. This includes nutrition, information and assistance, family caregiver support, HICAP, and other services delivered through the aging network.
CDA’s Financial Reporting Dashboard provides a snapshot of funding received and spent by each AAA within their service area. It also shows matching funds and program income that are reinvested into local programs, providing a fuller picture of the resources supporting aging services in communities across the state.
The dashboard can be a useful resource for community partners, local leaders, and others working to understand local needs and services. Funding information can help inform conversations with partners, support local planning and grant applications, and provide context for understanding the services available in a community. The dashboard is updated annually.
Explore the Financial Reporting Dashboard and share it with partners and others who may find the information useful in understanding how resources are supporting older adults and caregivers in their communities.
Help Inform California’s Proposed Intrastate Funding Formula
Public comment is open on the proposed update to California’s Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF). The formula is used to distribute Older Americans Act funds across California’s Planning and Service Areas.
California’s population and the needs of communities across the state have changed. As part of Senate Bill 1249 Implementation, we are working to develop an updated formula that is clear, sustainable, and better reflects current needs and barriers to accessing services.
Updated materials are available, including information about the proposed formula, projected allocations by Planning and Service Area and county, and proposed transition safeguards. We invite you to review the materials and share your perspective to help inform refinements and next steps.
