CHCF Unveils New Web Site to Provide Resources On Medicare

The California HealthCare Foundation announced today that it has launched a new Web site, calmedicare.org, intended to help California seniors "understand ... Medicare benefits and options for additional coverage." The free, noncommercial site uses a question-and-answer format to provide information on Medicare+Choice, Medigap policies, employer-based health coverage, Medi-Cal programs, Medicare coverage for people with disabilities, Medicare terms and links to other Medicare resources. The site was created with advice from the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, a group that offers "one-on-one" Medicare counseling to seniors, and the California Health Advocates, an organization that trains HICAP counselors. According to CHCF, the site is designed for use by seniors, people with disabilities, families of eligible state residents, senior organizations, health care providers, government offices and the media. "Health care for seniors involves critical and often confusing decisions. This Web site brings together in one place the range of information that will help people make informed choices," Dr. Mark Smith, president and CEO of CHCF, said (CHCF release, 2/27).