“Embracing aging.”
Julie Schoen is a nationally recognized leader in elder justice and Medicare advocacy, with more than three decades of visionary executive leadership, policy innovation, and public service. A licensed attorney with deep expertise in insurance and elder law, Julie has spent her career at the forefront of protecting and empowering older adults, shaping national discourse on aging policy, and mentoring the next generation of elder rights advocates.
Currently serving as Deputy Director Emeritus at the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Julie has been instrumental in driving the center’s strategic vision, guiding fiscal management, and amplifying national awareness of elder abuse prevention. Her leadership has shaped critical collaborations across agencies and institutions, while her integrity and transparency have set the standard for ethical advocacy. She has represented the NCEA, USC, and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) community at national conferences and high-level meetings, consistently building alliances that strengthen the safety net for older Americans.
Before joining the NCEA in 2014, Julie dedicated more than two decades to the Orange County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), where she served as Director and Legal Counsel. In this role, she represented Medicare beneficiaries in complex appeals processes across Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, led education and outreach efforts, and coordinated the Orange County Financial Abuse Specialist Team. Her expertise in risk-contracting within the managed care market and her deep knowledge of the Social Security Act empowered countless older adults to navigate the Medicare system with clarity and confidence.
Julie was a founding member of California Health Advocates and contributed extensively to policy development, legislative interpretation, and public education at the state and national levels. She has testified before Congress on marketing practices within Medicare programs and is a contributing author for California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) publications on Medicare appeals. In 1997, she authored and secured a Harkin Grant for the Senior Medicare Patrol Project under the Administration on Aging, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to fraud prevention and systemic reform.
A gifted communicator, Julie has been a sought-after speaker across California, delivering keynote addresses, training sessions, and MCLE-accredited lectures on topics ranging from elder abuse to long-term care. She has appeared regularly on local news, talk radio, and educational media, including a widely distributed state video on long-term care insurance for the California Department of Aging. Her service extends into academia as well, with two decades of experience as an adjunct professor at Fullerton Ruby and Golden West College, where she inspired future professionals in elder law and public service.
Julie earned her Juris Doctor degree from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, with a concentration in Insurance and Elder Law, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she made the Dean’s List. She is an active member of the California Bar Association and has served on numerous advisory boards and councils, including the Elder Financial Protection Network, Legal Aid Society of Orange County, Cal Optima Long-Term Care Advisory Board, and the California Department of Aging’s Long-Term Care Workgroup.
Beyond her professional achievements, Julie has a deep history of civic engagement, having held elected leadership roles such as Chairperson of the Orange County Senior Roundtable and advisory positions with the Orange Caregiver Resource Center and Cal State Fullerton’s Ruby Gerontology Center. Her efforts have earned national recognition, particularly for leading a groundbreaking elder abuse prevention campaign that garnered international praise for its effectiveness and impact.
Julie Schoen exemplifies the power of informed, compassionate advocacy and is a cornerstone in the field of elder rights. Her lifelong dedication to public service, education, and systemic change continues to inspire professionals and protect seniors nationwide.
Character
Julie Schoen is a principled and compassionate leader whose integrity, transparency, and lifelong commitment to protecting vulnerable populations have made her a trusted advocate in the field of elder justice. Her dedication to public service and unwavering support for Medicare beneficiaries reflect a deep moral compass and an authentic drive to make lasting, positive change.
Knowledge
With over 30 years of experience in elder law, Medicare policy, and public health advocacy, Julie brings exceptional legal expertise and policy insight to her work. Her deep understanding of complex legislation and federal regulations has made her a nationally respected authority on aging, long-term care, and elder abuse prevention.
Strategic
Julie has consistently demonstrated visionary executive leadership by building innovative programs, securing national grants, and shaping long-term policy strategies to protect older adults. Her ability to align fiscal planning, team development, and stakeholder collaboration has resulted in impactful, sustainable solutions across local and national systems.
Communication
As a dynamic public speaker, educator, and media contributor, Julie is known for translating complex legal and healthcare topics into accessible, actionable information. Her clear and persuasive communication style has built trust among diverse audiences and elevated public awareness on issues affecting aging populations.
