HICAP is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Texans. HICAP provides legal advice and referrals for Texans who are Medicare beneficiaries or who are 60 years of age or older. HICAP is a partnership of Texas’ Area Agencies on Aging, Health and Human Services Commission, and Texas Legal Services Center.

 

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BENEFITS COUNSELOR MANUAL

To view the PDF files, you must have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. 

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1. What is HICAP and the Importance of Its Volunteer Network

2. Counselor Skills/Qualifications

3. Case Records and Reporting

4. Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D

5. Other Medicare Options for Paying Health Care Costs Not Covered by Original Medicare

6. "Medicare Savings Programs" (QMB, SLMB, QI) and QWDI

7. Medicare and Insurance Fraud​

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Application for Certification

HICAP Verification of Certification

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UPCOMING TRAININGS

All trainings are virtual and offered statewide. TLSC regularly offers training courses for Benefits Counselors I and II. If you are interested in attending a training session, contact your organization's director.​

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Benefits Counselor I - TBD
This training will equip potential Benefits Counselors to help callers regarding Medicare/Medicaid SHIP and MIPPA matters, including assisting with the selection of Medicare programs during open enrollment periods. To earn certification as Benefits Counselor I, individuals must work under supervision and pass a test, along with completing this training course. 

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Benefits Counselor II - TBD
In order to become a Benefits Counselor II, you must have completed the certification essentials for Benefits Counselor I.

This training course explores the types of administrative appeals and document preparation certified counselors may assist with (though each AAA office determines which types are allowed based on certifications, the HICAP Manual, and other factors). This training provides counselors with a deeper understanding of benefit obtainment and necessary procedures regarding Medicare. 

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