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!
DMHC Fines Spring Health Plan $1 Million for Operating Without a State License While Offering Employee Assistance Programs
(Sacramento) – The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) took enforcement action against Spring Care, Inc. (Spring Health),
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.
Most Californians Have Health Care Coverage. Since 2013, the percent of Californians who lack comprehensive health care coverage has declined from over 19 percent to about 8 percent. As a result, about 92 percent of Californians have health coverage.
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.
Advocacy Notes
Featuring a recent example of HCA Advocates’ compelling work throughout the state.
A 68-year old Spanish speaking consumer that lacked health coverage suffered a heart attack in August 2020 requiring hospitalization in Imperial County and then in San Diego. Facing over $300,000 in medical bills, HCA’s partner in Imperial County, California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) guided him through the process of being added to his wife’s Medi-Cal case to cover the cost of the services. When the county Medi-Cal agency incorrectly determined his countable income and found him only eligible for Medi-Cal with a high share of cost, CRLA filed an appeal on his behalf. Prior to the hearing, the County agreed with CRLA’s legal analysis, corrected their calculation of his available income money and qualified him for Medi-Cal without any cost sharing. As a result of CRLA’s advocacy, this consumer avoided over $300,000 in medical bills related to his heart attack and secured ongoing access to coverage and vital care.
