Volunteer
CHCR Volunteers change lives. You can make a difference.
We’re looking for volunteers who want to do important work. As a Center for Health Care Rights (CHCR) volunteer, you can help support and guide your neighbors to better understanding of their health coverage options.
You'll get the training you need to support older adults and people with disabilities through difficult times, and the opportunity to give back to your community.
Become a trusted resource for others.
“I can't tell you how many lives have been changed because we could effect change. This is powerful work that saves lives.”
- HICAP Volunteer Counselor
Volunteer Opportunities
Become a CHCR Ambassador – participate in community outreach events.
As a CHCR Ambassador, you will play a key role in strengthening the connection between Center for Health Care Rights and the communities of Los Angeles County. You will educate community organizations, groups, and individuals about the services CHCR offers, empowering them to better understand their Medicare benefits and options. Additionally, you will help expand CHCR’s reach by distributing educational materials at health fairs, outreach events, and throughout your community.
This role is ideal for individuals looking to volunteer one time or intermittently at outreach events, as well as for short-term volunteers. It is an excellent opportunity for students or individuals working part-time or full-time who want to give back to their community in a flexible manner.
Applications for the CHCR Ambassador Program are accepted year-round, and training is typically offered twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. To become a CHCR Ambassador, candidates must complete a brief in-person training course covering key Medicare topics and effective outreach strategies.
Become a HICAP Volunteer Counselor – provide one-on-one Medicare counseling.
The California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is a statewide program that provides free Medicare information, education, and counseling to individuals with Medicare and their families. As a HICAP Volunteer Counselor, you will assist individuals in understanding their Medicare coverage, including Medicare Part D and private insurance options, and help them access financial assistance programs for medical expenses.
For over 30 years, HICAP Volunteer Counselors have been integral to CHCR’s delivery of HICAP services, assisting thousands of people in navigating their Medicare coverage. Volunteer counselors are placed at various community sites throughout Los Angeles County, providing one-on-one in-person and/or telephone counseling free of charge.
Applications for the HICAP Volunteer Counselor Program are accepted year-round, with the best time to apply being late Fall or early Winter each year. To participate, candidates must complete an initial training program and internship, followed by registration as a HICAP Counselor with the California Department of Aging. The initial training is typically conducted every year in the Spring in a group format, though self-study options may be available for those who apply outside of this timeframe.
Once registered, HICAP Volunteer Counselors typically commit to five to ten hours of counseling per month at their community placement sites and also participate in continuing education and outreach activities. The time commitment for this program makes the role well-suited for retired individuals who are looking for long-term volunteer opportunities.
See a full description of the HICAP Volunteer Counselor roles and responsibilities.
Become a Volunteer.
To learn more about our volunteer program and other volunteer opportunities, please contact Jenny Reyes, Volunteer and Administrative Coordinator, at 213-383-4519, ext. 3031 or reach out to us using our contact form.