ADVOCACY UNIT

Is there anyone who can protect my rights and advocate for me?

This Advocacy Unit is designed to assist and advocate on behalf of adults. The functions of this unit include the Ombudsman Program, Mental Health, Patients' and Civil Rights Advocacy, Legal Assistance, Health Insurance Counseling Services and Community Services.

• The Ombudsman Program was established to provide a voice for residents' rights and to work with long-term care facility staff to resolve concerns and improve the quality of life for residents. For more information contact 559-582-3211, ext. 2828.
• The Mental Health Patients' and Civil Rights Advocacy Program is designed to protect the rights of, and advocate on behalf of, mental health services consumers. Contact 559-733-6111 or 1-800-510-2020 for more information.
• Legal Assistance is available to advise and provide counsel in a variety of areas which are unique to older adults, such as entitlement denials and other health and welfare areas. For more information contact 559-730-2551 or 1-800-510-2020.
• The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) assists with Medicare and private health insurance billing concerns and problems. Staff and volunteers assist clients in understanding the complexities of medical billing and advocate for clients over reimbursement issues. Call 1-800-905-5597 for more information.
• Community Services provide a wide variety of assistance to adults 60 years and older to improve or maintain their quality of life. Areas of assistance include advocacy related to financial assistance (Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medi-Cal, taxes, estate planning and consumer issues), assessment, social work interventions and community service referrals.