State/Federally Funded Programs
The following low-cost insurance programs are available to uninsured children and adults who qualify.
Click on each program's name to obtain more information about eligibility and registration.
Also, ask insurance carriers in your
county
if they offer low-cost coverage for young adults.
- Alameda County Access to Care Collaborative
The Alameda County Access to Care Collaborative was established in 2001 to build strategic partnerships across organizations and develop countywide strategies to “expand health coverage and increase access to high quality health care” in Alameda County. The Collaborative is comprised of the leadership of health care organizations in Alameda County serving large numbers of low-income uninsured, people on Medi-Cal, and other public health coverage programs.
- Child Health & Disability Prevention Program (CHDP)
The Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) is a preventive program that delivers periodic health assessments and services to low income children and youth in California. CHDP provides care coordination to assist families with medical appointment scheduling, transportation, and access to diagnostic and treatment services. Health assessments are provided by enrolled private physicians, local health departments, community clinics, managed care plans, and some local school districts.
- Covered California
If you do not have health insurance or have purchased a policy yourself because you are self-employed or your employer doesn’t provide it, you may be able to buy a policy through your state’s insurance marketplace. Go to Covered California or call 800-300-1506.
- Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP)
The Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP) provides health insurance for Californians unable to obtain coverage in the individual health insurance market because of their pre-existing conditions. Californians qualifying for the program participate in the cost of their coverage by paying premiums. The State of California supplements those premiums to cover the cost of care in MRMIP. Tobacco tax funds currently subsidize the MRMIP.
- Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is an essential source of health care insurance for millions of low-income, elderly and disabled Californians. There are many different Medi-Cal programs.
Medi-Cal for Children Under Age 18 and Pregnant Women
No-cost health coverage is available for uninsured children and pregnant women who meet certain eligibility requirements. You can get free help with Healthy Families/Medi-Cal applications from people who are specially trained. Some of these organizations serve populations that speak a language other than English. You can get toll-free help by calling 888-747-1222 or 800-880-5305.
Medi-Cal for Adults
Medi-Cal pays for health care for certain eligible residents. Any person has the right to apply for Medi-Cal. Even if you are working, own a house or are married, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal. You can apply for Medi-Cal at any time, but keep in mind that it will take time for your application to be processed. Because there are so many factors and a variety of programs, it is important for anyone interested in making an application to speak with someone who is qualified to offer assistance.
Medi-Cal Information and Assistance
California Department of Social Services: 800-952-5253
To have an application mailed to you, call Medi-Cal Outreach: 888-747-1222
Key Links
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal / California HealthCare Foundation
Medi-Cal / The Health Consumer Alliance
Medi-Cal related sites
Social Security Administration
- Medicare
Our Medicare section offers comprehensive, official information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The official government handbook, 'Medicare & You,' includes sections on Medicare coverage choices, choosing a prescription plan, financial assistance, your Medicare rights, and more.
View, download or print 'Medicare & You' in PDF format.
For more information about the Medicare Advantage Plans, other Medicare Health Plans, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans available in your area, visit medicare.gov on the Web or call (800) MEDICARE (800-633-4227). TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.
Learn more about private insurance enrollment for Medicare D.
The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers free individual counseling about Medicare and other health-care issues. HICAP counseling is available in every county in California. Find a HICAP counselor in your county, or call (800) 434-0222.
Alameda County Access Program: 1-800-491-9099
The Access Program is the system wide point of contact for information, screening and referrals for mental health and substance use services and treatment for Alameda County residents. ACCESS is a telephone service staffed from 8:30-5:00 M-F by licensed mental health clinicians and administrative support for both general behavioral health questions and determining eligibility for a range of outpatient services. After hours calls are answered by Crisis Support Services of Alameda County.