Healthcare Information in California
Access to healthcare is a vital aspect of settling in a new country, and California offers several healthcare options for immigrants, including undocumented individuals. This section provides detailed information on how healthcare works, programs available for low-income families, and how immigrants can access affordable or free medical services.
How Healthcare Works in California
Healthcare in California, as in the rest of the U.S., is primarily provided through private insurance companies. However, the state also offers several public programs to ensure that low-income residents, including many immigrants, can access medical services.
Types of Healthcare
Private Health Insurance: Offered by employers or purchased through Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace.
Public Programs: Government-funded programs like Medi-Cal provide free or low-cost healthcare to eligible residents.
Community Clinics: Non-profit health centers offer affordable or free services, regardless of immigration status.
Public Healthcare Programs
Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid Program)
Medi-Cal is a state-funded program that provides free or low-cost healthcare to low-income residents, including undocumented immigrants in certain cases.
Who Is Eligible?
Low-income children, pregnant women, and seniors (regardless of immigration status).
Undocumented adults aged 50 and older are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal as of May 2022.
DACA recipients, green card holders, and asylees are also eligible if they meet income requirements.
Covered Services:
Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health services, and preventive care.
Dental and vision care for children.
How to Apply:
Apply online at Covered California or in person at a county social services office.
Provide proof of income and residency.
No SSN is required for undocumented applicants.
Covered California
Covered California is the state’s health insurance exchange where residents can buy health insurance plans. Legal immigrants, including green card holders, refugees, and those with certain visas, may qualify for subsidies to reduce monthly premiums.
Who Is Eligible?
Legal immigrants, including those who have been in the U.S. for less than 5 years (who may not qualify for federal Medicaid but can get state-funded assistance).
Income must be below a certain threshold to qualify for subsidies.
How to Apply:
Visit www.coveredca.com.
Provide proof of legal status, income, and residency.
Choose a health plan and pay the premium.
Restricted or Emergency Medi-Cal
For undocumented immigrants who don’t qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, Restricted Medi-Cal is available. This covers emergency and pregnancy-related services.
Who Is Eligible?
Undocumented immigrants of any age with low income.
Coverage includes emergency care, labor and delivery, and limited post-partum services.
Community Health Clinics
Community clinics and health centers across California provide low-cost or free healthcare services to immigrants, regardless of their legal status. These clinics are a lifeline for those who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal or can’t afford private insurance.
Services Offered:
General medical care, vaccinations, prenatal care, mental health services, and dental care.
Many clinics offer services on a sliding scale based on income.
Notable Community Clinics:
Clinica Romero – Los Angeles.
La Clínica de La Raza – Bay Area (multiple locations).
Venice Family Clinic – Los Angeles.
Neighborhood Healthcare – San Diego.
Emergency Healthcare
Under federal law, all hospitals in the U.S. must provide emergency medical care, regardless of a person’s ability to pay or immigration status.
If you or someone you know needs emergency care, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
You will be billed for services, but financial assistance programs may help reduce or eliminate the cost.
Special Programs for Immigrants
My Health LA (MHLA)
A free healthcare program for low-income, uninsured residents of Los Angeles County, regardless of immigration status.
Services Covered:
Primary care, prescription medications, lab tests, and referrals to specialists.
How to Apply:
Visit a participating community clinic in Los Angeles County to enroll.
Health Access Programs for Farmworkers
Farmworkers, many of whom are immigrants, often have access to special healthcare programs offering mobile clinics and on-site health services in rural areas.
Notable programs include the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF), which provides outreach and healthcare services to agricultural workers.
Mental Health Services
Mental health services are crucial for immigrants adjusting to life in a new country. Many community clinics and non-profits provide free or low-cost counseling and mental health support.
Medi-Cal Mental Health Services
Medi-Cal covers mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and medication management for eligible individuals.
Non-Profit Organizations Offering Mental Health Support
Asian Pacific Counseling & Treatment Centers – Provides culturally competent mental health services to Asian immigrants.
The Latino Mental Health Association of California (LMHAC) – Offers counseling and resources for Latino communities.
Jewish Family Services (JFS) – Provides mental health support to immigrants and refugees of all backgrounds.
Healthcare Rights for Immigrants
California has enacted several laws to protect immigrants' access to healthcare, including:
SB 29 (Health for All Kids Act): Ensures that all children in California, regardless of immigration status, have access to Medi-Cal.
SB 75: Provides state-funded Medi-Cal to undocumented young adults aged 19-25.
Patient Confidentiality: Healthcare providers cannot share a patient’s immigration status with immigration authorities without consent.
How to Find Healthcare Services
Online Directories
Find a Health Center: Use the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) website to locate nearby community clinics.
211 California: Call 211 or visit their website for a directory of local healthcare services.
Local Health Departments
County health departments often offer free or low-cost health services for immigrants, including vaccinations, family planning, and STD testing.
Key Tips for Seeking Healthcare
Know Your Rights: You have the right to access emergency healthcare and community clinic services, regardless of your immigration status.
Bring Necessary Documents: When applying for Medi-Cal or Covered California, bring proof of income and residency. Undocumented applicants do not need to provide a Social Security Number.
Ask About Sliding Scale Fees: Many clinics offer services on a sliding scale based on your income, which can reduce costs significantly.
Seek Language Assistance: Most community clinics and hospitals in California provide interpretation services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Arabic.