Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
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.
BENEFITS COUNSELOR MANUAL
To view the PDF files, you must have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
HICAP Verification of Certification
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.
Benefits Counselor I
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.
Benefits Counselor I Spring Session
June 21, 2022 - June 22, 2022
Benefits Counselor I Summer Session
June 24, 2022
Benefits Counselor II
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.
Benefits Counselor II Spring Session
April 8, 2022
Benefits Counselor II Summer Session
July 15, 2022