Program Update!! All eligible Californians 50 years of age or older can now get free full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status. See our new Health4All Older Adult flyer for details. Medi-Cal is not a public charge benefit. (See here for more info.)
The Health Consumer Alliance (HCA) offers free over-the-phone or in-person assistance to help people struggling to get or maintain health coverage and resolve problems with their health plans.
Medical Debt - Do you have a medical bill that you cannot afford? We may be able to help you reduce your bills from hospitals, dentists, ambulance transportation, doctor groups, and other types of health care services. Call us for free help.
Important!! - Has your contact information changed in the past two years? Are you enrolled in Medi-Cal?
Update your contact information with your local County office today! Give your county office your updated contact information so you can keep your Medi-Cal. You can find your local county office by visiting dhcs.ca.gov/COL or calling the Medi-Cal Member Helpline at (800) 541-5555 or our consumer hotline at 888 804 3536.
About the HCA
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NEWS
Keep Your Coverage After the COVID Emergency
The Health Consumer Alliance can help you access health care after the COVID-19 emergency ends in 2023. Learn your rights to keep your coverage!
Anthem Blue Cross fined by state of California
California fines Anthem Blue Cross for illegally denying gender-affirming care.
California has fined Anthem Blue Cross of
Durable Medical Equipment: The Basics for California Advocates
Click here to access the Durable Medical Equipment: The Basics for California Advocates guide, which
Black Pregnancy Health Quality of Care Fact Sheet
Our Black Pregnancy Health Quality of Care Fact Sheet provides important information and resources to support the health and well-being of Black pregnant individuals.
County of Santa Clara Charity Care Settlement
Starting August 14, 2023, about 43,000 former patients of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center have a limited time to apply for refunds of hospital bills they overpaid. The application deadline is 65 days from the date of the County’s mailing of a letter to the patient notifying them of their past bills.
Currently, over 4.5 million childless adults, known as the ACA expansion population, are enrolled in Medi‑Cal.
Issues That Could Impact Californians’ Health Care Coverage in 2023 and Beyond, Legislative Analyst’s Office – The California Legislature’s Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor
Featuring a recent example of HCA Advocates’ compelling work throughout the state.
A non-English speaking older adult residing in San Bernardino County, who was a dual eligible beneficiary with Original Medicare and Medi-Cal Managed Care enrollment, had his Medi-Cal eligibility terminated by the county despite the COVID public health emergency stay on negative actions. As a result of the termination of Medi-Cal coverage, he was disenrolled from his Medi-Cal plan and was unable to schedule transportation or access any needed appointments for his chronic heart condition. HCA partner, Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) immediately intervened to help the client. After requesting an expedited hearing, ICLS was able to quickly negotiate a resolution with the county to retroactively establish his Medi-Cal. ICLS then continued their advocacy with the state to ensure the consumer was retroactively enrolled into his Medi-Cal managed care plan. Once enrollment was confirmed, the consumer was able to schedule medical appointments and needed transportation services.
