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Health Care Services

Overview

Health Coverage

We Can Help You Get Covered 

San Mateo County Health’s Health Coverage Unit (HCU) helps residents get access to health care. Our enrollment counselors guide you through the process, explain your options and help you apply. This service is free. 

Call us at 650-616-2002 or email info-hcu@smcgov.org. One call connects you to the program that best fits your needs. Make an appointment for a free health coverage screening, even if you think you won’t qualify or already have private insurance that’s not from a job. 

Who Qualifies 

Eligibility for health coverage depends on: 

  • Income – Programs have income limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 
  • Immigration status – Many programs are available regardless of immigration status. Legal status is not required for County-funded coverage. 
  • Where you live 
  • Other factors – Age, disability, family size or medical need. 

Our team will review your situation and let you know which program you qualify for. 

Programs We Can Connect You To 

State, Federal Programs and Non-Governmental Programs

  • Medi-Cal – Free or low-cost health coverage for children and adults with limited income. 
  • Covered California – State’s insurance marketplace with tax credits and cost-sharing help. 
  • Medicare – Health coverage for adults 65+ and some people with disabilities. 
  • Kaiser Community Health Coverage Program (CHCP) – Free health coverage for children and adults with limited income who don’t have access to other health coverage.
  • Special Programs – Family Planning, Access and Treatment (PACT), Every Woman Counts (EWC) and Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP). 

County Programs 

  • Access to Care for Everyone (ACE) – Health benefits for uninsured, low-income residents ages 21–64. 
  • Charity Care – Free hospital and clinic care for those who cannot pay their bill. 
  • Discounted Health Care (DHC) – 65% discount for uninsured or those with high medical costs. 
  • Financial Hardship Assistance (FHA) – Waives bills if you are facing financial hardship. 
  • Sliding Fee Scale – Reduced costs for farmworkers and people experiencing homelessness. 

How to Apply 

We make it easy to apply:

  1. Call us at 650-616-2002 to start your application. 
  2. You can also apply online, in person, by phone or with partner agencies.
  3. To better serve you, appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome at all locations.  

Locations and Hours: 

Monday – Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM  
Thursday*: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM  
*We close at 2:30 PM the 2nd Thursday of each month.  

  • Coastside Clinic
    225 S. Cabrillo Hwy., 100A, Half Moon Bay 
    Open Mondays only 
  • Daly City Clinic 
    380 90th Street, Daly City 
  • Fair Oaks Health Center 
    2710 Middlefield Road, Redwood City 
  • San Mateo Medical Center 
    222 West 39th Ave, San Mateo 
    1st floor, SMMC Information Desk, 2nd floor, 
    Nursing Wing, outside 2AB 

What to Bring: 

  • Proof of income for all working members of the household (if any) 
  • Proof of identity 
  • Proof of address 
  • Social Security or Tax ID number (if you have one) 
  • Immigration or work documents (if you have them) 

Call Us Today 

Call 650-616-2002 or email info-hcu@smcgov.org. Our team will connect you with the right program and make sure you and your family are covered. 

Additional Resources 

Community Information Handbook – a resource guide for the residents of San Mateo County including nonprofit agencies, government programs, and community organizations. English or Spanish 

Overview

Emergency Medical Services

For information about the San Mateo County Emergency Medical Services Agency and system, including:

  • EMS Mission, Values, Vision
  • History, System Design and Structure
  • Personal Emergency Preparedness
  • Becoming an EMT
  • Policies, Procedures and Protocols
Overview

Pregnancy, Children & Families

Do you and your family want to learn more about how to live healthily and get connected to local resources? We’re here to help!

Check out the resources below or call us at (650) 573-2501. We provide services in homes, local clinics, offices and schools. Services are free for adults, children and families on Medi-Cal, and on a sliding fee scale for other San Mateo County residents. We provide services in your native language.

Overview

Teens

Activity programs and pregnancy and parenting support for teens.

Overview

Aging and Disability Services

Services for older and dependent adults, including abuse prevention, public guardian and authority, in-home care, nutritious meals and more. 
Overview

Mental Health and Substance Use

About Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Services

Services are provided by mental health clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, alcohol and drug counselors, peers, and others, through seven regional county behavioral health clinics (located in Daly City, San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Redwood City, and East Palo Alto) and a network of contracted community and private providers located throughout the county