State Aging Agency
This agency has a wide range of services and referrals for seniors.
California Department of Aging
http://www.aging.ca.gov/
800-510-2020
Local Area Aging Agencies can be found at the contacts above, or by visiting www.eldercare.gov or calling 800-677-1116.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP offers free, one-on-one, local counseling to people with Medicare and their families.
California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
http://www.aging.ca.gov/information_on/hicap.asp
800-434-0222
Local SHIP counselors can be found at the contact above, or by calling 800-677-1116, or visiting www.shiptalk.org or www.eldercare.gov.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The statewide ombudsman program investigates and resolves complaints of older individuals in nursing and board and care homes, including assisted living facilities, and advocates to protect residents’ rights and ensure quality care.
CA Department of Aging
http://www.aging.ca.gov/programs/ombudsman.asp
916-419-7510
State Insurance Commissioner
This office has information about insurance plans and costs. They often have special resources for seniors.
California Department of Insurance
http://www.insurance.ca.gov/
800-927-4357
State Medicaid Office
This office manages the state’s Medicaid program. They also handle Medicaid enrollment.
Medi-Cal
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx
916-552-9200
State Prescription Assistance Program
A program to help you reduce the cost of your prescription drugs
Discount Prescription Medication Program
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/PresDrgDisPrgMedRecpts.aspx
800-434-0222
status: Provides prescriptions at Medi-Cal rate plus a 15 cent processing fee at Medi-Cal participating pharmacies. Cannot be used for drugs that are covered under a Medicare drug plan beginning in 2006. It is not to be used as a substitute for a Medicare drug pl
State Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Agency
This agency protects the legal rights of people with disabilities, including people on Medicaid.
Disability Rights California
http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/
800-776-5746
Access to Benefits Coalition Members
Coalition members educate and enroll people in different prescription drug programs, including Medicare. These independent local groups belong to a national network. The agencies below serve only the areas listed.
City of Los Angeles-Department of Aging
800-510-2020
Los Angeles County
Council on Aging - Orange County
714-560-0424
Orange County
San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services
909-891-3908 or 909-891-3900
Riverside and San Bernadino Counties
Aging & Independence Services, County of San Diego
877-358-0202
San Diego County
Legal Assistance for Seniors
510-839-0393
Alameda and San Francisco Counties
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Office Outreach Campaign Manager
CMS Regional Offices play a key role in conducting outreach for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. Each office has a team dedicated to helping raise awareness and educate about the new coverage. Contact the regional campaign manager to learn more about local outreach events, schedule an event in your area or request outreach materials.
Region IX - San Francisco
Campaign Manager: Cate Kortzeborn
415-744-3661
