Health Insurance
Health Insurance
Insurance keeps you healthy and financially covered when you need it most.
Health coverage can be complicated. That’s why we offer free assistance to help you apply. We can let you know which programs you may qualify for, explain how they work, what it may cost, and then help you apply.
Schedule a health coverage screening appointment even if you think you might not qualify or if you have private, non-employer sponsored insurance. Legal immigration status is not required to access free or low-cost health insurance in San Mateo County. If you are under age 26 and currently not employed, but covered by a parent’s private insurance plan, you might qualify for subsidized coverage through Medi-Cal.
Do You Need Help Paying for Health Care?
Federal, state, and county health coverage programs can help you pay for services. Our Health Coverage Unit will help you find a program right for you.
How to Apply
You can apply by phone or make an appointment to apply in person. Drop-ins are welcome. Call (650) 616-2002.
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.
Locations
Coastside Clinic
225 S. Cabrillo Hwy., 100A, Half Moon Bay
Open Mondays only
Daly City Clinic
380 90th Street, Daly City
Human Services Agency
2500 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
San Mateo Medical Center
222 West 39th Ave, San Mateo
1st floor, by the West parking lot entrance
Where to Get an Application
- Apply online
- Go to one of our offices
- Call (650) 616-2002 and we will mail it to you
- Application available at no charge in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Tagalog
How to Apply Online or by Phone
Connect with us so we can get you access to the best plan for you and your family. Enrollment counselors are available to help you.
All information shared in health coverage applications is confidential.
For free health coverage help, you can apply online or on the phone:
- County Health Coverage Unit: call 650-616-2002 or email info-hcu@smcgov.org
- County Human Services Agency: call 1-800-223-8383; 650-594-5917 (out-of-county callers) or visit mybenefitscalwin.org or hsa.smcgov.org
- Covered California: call 1-800-300-1506; Spanish speakers: 1-800-300-0213 or visit coveredCA.com
What You Need to Apply
- Proof of home address in San Mateo County (recent utility bill, billing statement, or ID with your address)
- Proof of income (if you have income – recent paystub, government check stub, or tax forms from the previous year)
- Proof of identity (any state ID card, ID from your country of origin, or passport)
- Social Security Number or Tax ID Number (if you have one)
- Residency card (if you have one)
- Work Permit (if you have one)
Income Levels to Qualify
Maximum Income to Qualify for a Health Program*
Effective 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2023
| Household Size |
Monthly | Yearly |
| 1 | $7,290 | $87,480 |
| 2 | $9,864 | $118,320 |
| 3 | $12,432 | $149,160 |
| 4 | $15,000 | $180,000 |
| 5 | $17,574 | $210,840 |
| 6 | $20,142 | $214,680 |
| For each additional family member add: | $2,574 | $30,840 |
*Some programs will have lower income limits.
Available San Mateo County Health Coverage Programs
More details about these programs are available here. Our Health Coverage Unit will help you find a program that’s right for you. Call (650) 616-2002 or e-mail info-hcu@smcgov.org.
Access and Care for Everyone (ACE)
- Coverage for San Mateo County residents 19 years old or older without health insurance
- $360 annual non-refundable application fee and co-payments for services
- Income between 138% and 200% FPL
ACE Fee Waiver
- Coverage for San Mateo County residents 26-49 years old without health insurance
- No cost for services
- Income at or below 138% FPL
- Must also be enrolled in Restricted Scope Medi-Cal
Charity Care
- Visits approved for Charity Care have no charge
- Medications not covered
- Income at or below 138% FPL
Discounted Health Care (DHC)
- 65% discount off all services billed by San Mateo Medical Center
- Income at or below 400% FPL
Available State and Federal Health Insurance and Coverage Programs
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP)
- Coverage for men and women with breast cancer and women with cervical cancer
- Income at or below 200% FPL
Covered California
- State’s health insurance marketplace
- Premium assistance available to lower the cost of health care
- Must file federal income tax return
Every Woman Counts (EWC)
- Breast and cervical cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured women
- Breast cancer screening for women age 40 and older
- Cervical cancer screening for women age 21 and older
- Income at or below 200% FPL
Family Planning, Access and Treatment Program (PACT)
- Provides family planning services for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured
- Income at or below 200% FPL
Medi-Cal
- Coverage for children and adults with limited income and resources
- No cost and low-cost health coverage
Other Payment Options
Self-Pay Prompt Pay Discount
If you do not qualify for a health coverage program:
- Pay 50% of your bill within 30 days of the date of the bill
- We will waive the balance
- Only available for services billed by San Mateo Medical Center
Extended Payment Plan
- We can help with an interest-free payment plan based on your ability to pay.
- Only available for services billed by San Mateo Medical Center
Questions About Your Bill
We never charge more than the amount generally billed for emergency services or other medically necessary care. If you have questions about your bill, please call our Business Services Department at (650) 573-2525.
Our Financial Assistance Policy is online at www.smchealth.org/health-care-costs.
San Mateo Medical Center Financial Assistance Program Application:
English and Spanish applications are available for download.
Helpful Information and Additional Resources
Are health coverage programs available for everyone?
Health insurance is available regardless of immigration status, through a combination of Federal, State, and County programs. Contact 650-616-2002 or info-hcu@smcgov.org and enrollment counselors are available to talk through the best cost and coverage with each plan and find the right one for each person and family.
Medi-Cal, California’s free health insurance available to those with low income, takes applications year-round. Children in low-income families are eligible for Medi-Cal regardless of their immigration status.
San Mateo County Health also provides free and low-cost health coverage programs for people who are low-income and do not qualify for Medi-Cal or tax credits through Covered California. This includes working families and immigrants regardless of immigration status.
Already have health coverage?
If you have questions regarding your current health coverage, please call your health plan to help you use your health benefits. If you have full-scope Medi-Cal in San Mateo County, you are assigned to the Health Plan of San Mateo. Call them at 800-750-4776 or 650-616-2133 or visit https://www.hpsm.org.
If you’re not sure which program you’re currently enrolled in or how to receive help, contact the Health Coverage Unit at 650-616-2002 or e-mail info-hcu@smcgov.org.
Health coverage is renewed on an annual basis. Be sure to follow the instructions in the notice you receive in the mail. Health coverage helps you to stay healthy and have peace of mind that you and your family are covered for when you may need it the most.
Are you a small business?
If you are a small business, visit www.coveredca.com/forsmallbusiness. If you don’t offer health coverage to your employees, please provide them with the HCU flyer so they can learn what health program options are available. HCU Flyer Eng & Spn
Health Coverage Program Information
Read more to learn about the various health coverage programs that could be available for kids, families, and adults living in San Mateo County.