How to apply, step by step
Pick a California program or service to see who it is for, what to bring, where to apply, and what happens next.
Medi-Cal
California's Medicaid program
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible California residents, including many people with low incomes. Coverage can include primary and specialty doctor visits, hospital and emergency care, prescriptions, preventive services and vaccinations, maternity care, mental health and substance-use services, lab and diagnostic services, and dental and vision benefits.
How to apply →Medi-Cal for Children
California's Medicaid and CHIP coverage for children
Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible children in California is provided through Medi-Cal, which includes California's Medicaid and CHIP programs.
How to apply →Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
Temporary coverage for newly arrived refugees
Temporary health coverage in California for certain refugees and other eligible humanitarian populations who aren't eligible for Medi-Cal.
How to apply →Covered California
California's marketplace for private health plans
Covered California is the state's official health insurance marketplace. Eligible households may receive financial assistance that reduces premiums and other costs.
How to apply →Employer Health Insurance
Coverage offered through your job
Health insurance offered through a person's job.
How to apply →Medicare
Coverage at 65, and for some younger people
Federal health insurance primarily for eligible people age 65 or older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities, ESRD, or ALS. Refugee status alone does not qualify someone for Medicare.
How to apply →Community Health Centers
Care for everyone, priced on what you can pay
Community health centers offer primary care, children's care, vaccinations, women's health, mental health services, and sometimes dental care. Many charge on a sliding fee scale based on your ability to pay, and they see patients whether or not they have insurance.
How to apply →Free & Charitable Clinics
Free or reduced-cost medical services
Free and charitable clinics provide free or reduced-cost medical care to people who cannot afford regular healthcare. What is available depends on the clinic — some offer only basic care, others offer dental, vision, or specialty visits.
How to apply →Hospital Financial Assistance
Help with a hospital bill you cannot afford
California hospitals must maintain financial-assistance and discount-payment policies for eligible patients. You can ask before care, during your stay, or after a bill arrives.
How to apply →