California Healthcare Programs for Immigrants
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
- Provides:
- Free or low-cost health insurance for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, preventive care, and other services.
- For immigrants:
- California offers full-scope Medi-Cal to otherwise eligible residents regardless of immigration status.
- Website:
- BenefitsCal
Medi-Cal for Children
- 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 immigrants and other eligible humanitarian populations in California who do not qualify for Medi-Cal.
- Provides:
- Temporary healthcare coverage.
- Remember:
- This is temporary assistance. A 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 assistancePrescription 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
An immigrant 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 resettlement agency, county benefits office, community health center, or Covered California enrollment counselor to help you understand your options.