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Ms. Pappas explained HiCap is mandated to do three things: <br /> (1) To recruit and train volunteers. The volunteers receive 24 <br /> hours of training which includes training on Medicare, Medigap <br /> and Long Term care. The volunteers spend 10 hours with an <br /> experienced counselor before they can be on their own. <br /> (2) To report unethical insurance agents, fraud, bad <br /> advertising. <br /> (3) Community Education. The counselors must go out and talk to <br /> senior groups, retirees, and perform pre-retirement counseling. <br /> Ms. Pappas explained that HiCap also has a legal component. If a problem <br /> cannot be resolved by volunteers then it is referred to a legal <br /> consultant. She noted there are seven Long Term Care Specialists in San <br /> Mateo County which are available to help clients. She explained that Long <br /> Term Care insurance is very confusing and is not standardized. Medicare <br /> now limits what doctors can charge patients which is now no more than 20% <br /> above what Medicare will pay. HiCap advises people on how to deal with <br /> doctors regarding this process. She said that working with Health <br /> Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) presents many problems and counselors help <br /> - clients to understand the appeal process. <br /> Ms. Pappas explained that the current HiCap brochure will be translated <br /> into Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese very soon. She noted that HiCap <br /> currently has no Spanish speaking volunteers and, as a result, non-English <br /> speaking persons must bring a translator to their HiCap counseling <br /> sessions. <br /> Ms. Pappas explained that with the enormous changes in Medicare, HiCap <br /> counselors help their clients understand this confusing process. She <br /> mentioned the "Explanation of Medical Benefits" (EOMB) received from <br /> Medicare will always explain what the doctor has charged and what Medicare <br /> has approved. She said you must multiply what Medicare approves by 1.2% <br /> to determine the proper amount to be charged by the doctor. <br /> ITEM 2 - Vital Concerns of Seniors <br /> The Commissioners reviewed the draft survey form which has also been <br /> reviewed by the Fair Oaks Senior Center. Suggestions and comments were <br /> made and additional questions were added to the survey. This final draft <br /> will be sent to Charlene Silva of Aging and Adult Services for San Mateo <br /> County for her comments and a copy will also be forwarded to the Veterans <br /> Senior Advisory Council . <br /> ITEM 3 - Transportation <br /> Chairperson Anthony reported on the SamTrans Board meeting to be held on <br /> May 12. It was requested to have an implementation timetable from SamTrans <br /> distributed to the Veterans Senior Advisory Council . He mentioned that <br /> SamTrans is working on developing eligibility criteria for accessible <br /> transportation. Chairperson Anthony noted that SamTrans is finally really <br /> working on all the transportation problems regarding providing more <br />