The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) today announced the launch of a new Web site, CalMedicare.org, developed to help Californians understand their Medicare benefits and options for additional coverage. CalMedicare.org is a free, objective, non-commercial Web site for California seniors, their families, and caregivers.

"Health care for seniors involves critical and often confusing choices," said Mark D. Smith, M.D., M.B.A, president and CEO of the California HealthCare Foundation. "This Web site brings together in one place the range of information that will help people make informed decisions."

CalMedicare.org uses a question-and-answer format to describe many of the health care options available in California through public programs or private providers. The site provides practical information on:

• Medi-Cal programs for low-income Californians;
• Medicare managed care;
• Medicare supplemental policies, also known as Medigap;
• Employer-based coverage;
• Medicare for people with disabilities;
• Dictionary of Medicare terms; and
• Links to many additional Medicare resources.

  "As part of the Foundation's mission to increase access to care, we saw a need to help people navigate the often complex Medicare system," said Cecilia Echeverría, policy analyst at CHCF. "The site is a one-stop shop for information on what Medicare does and does not cover. It also helps people understand the best options based on their particular circumstances and needs."

  The Internet site is sponsored by the California HealthCare Foundation and was created with the expert advice of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and California Health Advocates (CHA). HICAP provides one-on-one counseling to seniors about their Medicare options. CHA helps train HICAP counselors and organizes other Medicare consumer resources. Information on how to reach the organizations is available on the Web site.

  CalMedicare.org is designed to be useful not only to California seniors and disabled people qualifying for Medicare, but also to families of those who may be eligible for the program, senior organizations, health care providers, government offices, and the media.

  For more information, please visit CalMedicare.org through the link below.