California Healthcare Programs for Refugees
California residents get healthcare through programs such as Medi-Cal and Covered California, as well as employers, clinics, hospitals, and federal programs such as Medicare.
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz →Ways to get healthcare
Each program serves a different group. You may qualify for more than one — a California resettlement agency, county benefits office, or enrollment counselor can help you check.
Medi-Cal
- For:
- California residents who meet Medi-Cal eligibility requirements.
- Provides:
- Free or low-cost health insurance for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, preventive care, and other services.
- For refugees:
- California offers full-scope Medi-Cal to otherwise eligible residents regardless of immigration status.
- Website:
- BenefitsCal
Medi-Cal for Children
- For:
- Children in California families who meet Medi-Cal requirements.
- Provides:
- Free or low-cost healthcare for children, including doctor visits, vaccines, prescriptions, dental care, and vision care.
- Remember:
- California provides children's coverage through Medi-Cal. A child may qualify even if a parent does not.
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
- For:
- Certain newly arrived refugees and other eligible humanitarian populations in California who do not qualify for Medi-Cal.
- Provides:
- Temporary healthcare coverage.
- Remember:
- This is temporary assistance. A refugee resettlement agency can help determine eligibility.
Covered California
- For:
- People who need to purchase private health insurance.
- Provides:
- Different insurance plans to choose from. Some people qualify for financial help that lowers the cost.
- Website:
- CoveredCA.com
Employer Health Insurance
- For:
- People whose employer offers health insurance.
- Provides:
- The employer usually pays part of the insurance cost, and the employee pays part. Employees may also be able to add a spouse or children to their plan.
Medicare
- For:
- Mainly people age 65 and older and some younger people with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions.
- Provides:
- Government health insurance for hospital care, doctor visits, and other medical services.
- Remember:
- Medicare and Medi-Cal are different programs, and some people qualify for both.
Community Health Centers
- For:
- Anyone who needs healthcare, especially people who are uninsured or have limited incomes.
- Provides:
- Primary care, children's care, vaccinations, women's health, mental health services, and sometimes dental care. Many charge based on the patient's ability to pay.
Emergencies and costs
Emergency Care
For a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
For routine illnesses and minor injuries, use a primary-care doctor, health center, or urgent care when appropriate.
Hospital Financial Assistance
If you receive a hospital bill that you cannot afford, ask for help.
“Do you have a financial-assistance or charity-care program?”
Many hospitals have programs for patients who cannot afford their bills.
How to ask for financial assistance →Prescription Help
If medicine is too expensive, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Ask:
- Is there a cheaper generic medicine?
- Is there a patient-assistance program?
- Is there a less expensive alternative?
Where to start
A refugee living in California can start by asking these questions, in order.
- 1
Do I qualify for Medi-Cal, including Medi-Cal for children?
- 2
Do I qualify for Refugee Medical Assistance?
- 3
Can I get insurance through an employer or Covered California?
- 4
Can I receive affordable care at a community health center or charitable clinic?
For a life-threatening emergency → call 911 or go to the ER.
Having little money or no health insurance does not mean you should avoid getting healthcare.
Ask a California refugee resettlement agency, county benefits office, community health center, or Covered California enrollment counselor to help you understand your options.