HCA partners throughout California, including multiple partners located in Los Angeles, stand with Los Angeles, its communities, and, most importantly, the people of Los Angeles.
This resource page was created to share information, support, and programs for those facing barriers to accessing needed care, equipment, supplies or other necessary services during a state of emergency.
This resource page will be updated to share additional supports as they become available.
Accessing Health Care After Surviving a Disaster
A Healthcare Tip provided by Western Center on Law and Poverty in collaboration with the HCA.
After disasters in California, survivors may need extra assistance to access health care. Fortunately, several consumer-friendly protections help survivors access the services, supplies, and care that they need. Read on for special rights and remedies available to survivors seeking prescription drugs, dental appliances, eyeglasses, hearing aids, medical supplies and equipment, physician and specialist care, eligibility and coverage, health plan enrollment changes, and more.
New in 2025: The tip has been updated with the most current information about Medi-Cal CalAIM benefits, mental health resources, Medi-Cal eligibility protections, and more.
The Emergency Preparedness Guide/Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities includes information and emergency preparedness tips for individuals with specific disabilities.
DHCS has released the Emergency and Disaster Assistance Questions & Answers webpage which includes information related to accessing medical care, filling prescriptions, securing transportation, and obtaining support for individuals with specific needs, including people in assisted living facilities and individuals receiving Home and Community-Based Alternatives services.
Through this recently issued guidance MEDIL 25-03, DHCS instructs Los Angeles and Ventura counties to immediately stop manual terminations and to reinstate anyone who indicates that they were impacted by the fires in these counties. Beneficiaries may verbally self-attest to being impacted by the fires.
As of Thursday, January 9, 2025, the Department of Managed Health Care has issued the following directive:
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recognizes the need to dispense durable medical equipment (DME) and medical supplies to recipients impacted by the Southern California wildfires, extreme weather conditions, and/or emergency power-shutoff action.
To access the DME and Medical Supply guidance released by DHCS, use the link below:
DME and Medical Supplies for Recipients Impacted by Wildfires
The following information is released on the Medi-CalRX Web Portal for those affected by the Southern California Wildfires.
Release Date: January 15, 2025
A new alert, Medi-Cal Eligibility Assistance for Medi-Cal Members Affected by California Wildfires, has been posted to the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.
If the above link does not take you to this document, simply copy and paste the following link into your browser to access the Bulletins and News page: https://medi-calrx.dhcs.ca.gov/provider/pharmacy-news/
For more information, contact MediCalRxEducationOutreach@primetherapeutics.com.
Release date: January 10, 2025
- State of Emergency Override Activation: Submission Clarification Code 13
- Update: Important Policy Adjustment for Pediatric Integration
If the above links do not take you to these documents, simply copy and paste the following link into your browser to access the Bulletins and News page: https://medi-calrx.dhcs.ca.gov/provider/pharmacy-news/
For more information, contact MediCalRxEducationOutreach@primetherapeutics.com
In an effort to safeguard the health and well-being of Medi-Cal members and communities suffering from the devastating effects of the Southern California wildfires, DHCS has created the Southern California Wildfire Response Page containing the most up to date resources available to Medi-Cal members during the state of emergency in Southern California. (January 2025)
Covered California has announced a special-enrollment period for residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, where a state of emergency has been declared due to the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Download the News Release. (January 17, 2025)
- LA Wildfires Resource Guide: The AAPI Equity Alliance and our member organizations created this resource guide containing alerts and information, shelter/housing, animal/pet, transportation, food, mental health, community, health and safety, workers’ rights, and insurance and post-disaster resources. Translations: Chinese (Traditional) | Chinese (Simplified)
EDD Waiver Executive Order (1/8/25):
- The one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment insurance benefits is suspended for anyone who is unemployed because of the wildfire disaster emergency in Los Angeles County. To access the executive order for the waiver of week wait time requirement to apply for EDD benefits, please go here. Get more information on the EDD website here.
- The Center for Worker’s Rights has developed a fact sheet with important information related to eligibility for Unemployment Insurance for those affected by the Southern California Wildfires. This resource has been provided by the Center for Worker’s Rights. (Released January 2025)
- The MALAN team is maintaining a list of resources available to those affected by the fires in the Google Sheet below and will update it with new resources or calls for volunteers & donations. Fire and Windstorm Storm Resource Library (January 2025)
Additional resources for California Residents:
- CA.gov/LAfires – Provides resources for Californians impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.
- Listos California – Offers an Emergency Alerts sign-up page to help connect Californians with their local alerts systems based on a provided zip code or location.
- Ready.Gov – Provides guidance for individuals and families to prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfire events. The resource includes tips for staying safe during wildfires and returning home once an area is declared safe.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Wildfire Resources – Supports survivors, family members, responders, and recovery workers affected by wildfires and other disasters. Information includes signs of emotional distress, populations who may be at greater risk for distress after a wildfire, and links to resources for more information and support.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Provides information on hazards, including wildfires, and offers links to information about staying safe after a wildfire and learning about and coping with hazards linked to wildfires and other disasters.
- American Red Cross – Suggests ways for people who have experienced a residential fire to take care of themselves and their loved ones and to help people who may need assistance. The site lists four steps to take right after a fire and includes links to more information about returning home safely after a fire and recovering emotionally and financially.
This next section provides additional Information from local and state-wide partners related to states of emergency supports available to residents in various counties in California.
Gender Justice LA is a QTBIPOC-led local organization that assists residents of Los Angeles County. GJLA’s team is holding a special set of Drop-In hours for in need of support during the Southern California Wildfires.
