Health Insurance

Become a HIICAP Volunteer

HIICAP volunteers are crucial to provide free, impartial information, problem resolution, and resource materials.    Be part of this cost effective, professional program designed to empower consumers through education and information!   Volunteers receive ongoing training to keep abreast of changes within the health insurance industry and from regulating agencies. Click here for a brochure describing our volunteering opportunities, including a form with which you can sign up. (Note: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all counseling is being handled remotely until further notice.)

Medicare 101

The Dutchess County Office for the Aging periodically offers workshops for people interested in obtaining information on Medicare enrollment, Medicare Advantage Plans, benefits, supplement choices, EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) and other prescription options, Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Programs and long term care payment choices.

These workshops are designed for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicare, current Medicare beneficiaries, and those who want to learn more about the Medicare program.

Call 845-486-2555 or toll free 866-486-2555 to register for the next workshop or check our Calendar of Events for the next scheduled event. (Note: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, space at workshops will be limited by social-distancing requirements.)

Web Resources

• Dutchess County Veterans Services
• The New York State Office For The Aging's Current information on benefits and health insurance and links to other healthcare sites.
• Medicare.gov Current information on Medicare, Medicare Advantage HMOs and Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Cards.
• EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage)
• IPRO An independent, not-for-profit corporation under contract with federal and state government to assess the quality of health care provided to Medicare beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients.
• New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs Veterans Benefits information for New York's military veterans and members of active duty military personnel and their families.
• Medicare Rights A not-for-profit educational and advocacy organization devoted to ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare have access to quality and affordable health care.
• Benefits Checkup Personal tool for financial, health, prescription and other savings programs.
• Social Security Administration The web site for the Social Security Administration.
• Eldercare Administration The Administration on Aging site that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information sources throughout the country.